Garden

 Fire season is upon us. Despite this year's above average rainfall, lush vegetation will soon dry out, and if not managed properly, can become fuel. Learn how you can make your home safer by creating defensible space around your home. Click here.

Tiny but destructive, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that has killed millions of ash trees across North America. In some cases, infested regions have lost nearly 100% of their ash trees to this pest. Though EAB has not yet been found in California, it was detected on the West Coast for the…

Butte County has a Mediterranean climate where drought conditions occur naturally from May to October. A wide variety of succulent plants have become popular across the country in recent years, and our local gardeners are no exception. Not only are succulents drought tolerant, they grow almost anywhere. …

Squash bugs are a common pest in vegetable gardens, where they can be found on squash, pumpkin, and melon. They can cause leaves to become speckled and turn yellow. Heavy feeding can cause plants to wilt or die, and fruit to rot.These pests remain in the garden during the winter, hiding under dead leaves,…

  Every drop counts, especially in California. That’s why May is officially recognized as Water Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the value of water in our lives, our landscapes, and our future.Why Water Awareness Month?Initiated in the early 1980s by the California Department of Water…

This week on In the Garden with UCCE Master Gardeners, you are in for a real listening treat! A replay of a wonderful broadcast from 2016. UC Master Gardener and show host Teena Spindler devotes the entire hour to the “Joy of Blooming Perennials.” Her guest is Horticultural Consultant and “The Plantsman…

Tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, was originally from China and became a popular landscape shade tree in the 1800’s. However, its rapid growth, aggressive spread, and native habitat disruption have made it a global problem. Reproducing rapidly through dense root suckers and wind dispersal of its “winged”…

 It’s May, and that means gardeners in our area are planting melons, squashes, and cucumbers. These warm-season vegetables grow great in our climate. I’m convinced a single zucchini plant could feed a whole family, that is if it doesn’t get obliterated by squash bugs first. (Anasa tristis) …

We are well into Spring now, and if you haven’t done it yet it’s time to make sure your garden tools are in peak condition. Good maintenance not only prolongs the life and usefulness of garden tools; it also improves their performance in the garden. In addition, clean tools help prevent the spread of…

Some indoor pests can just be a nuisance; others can also be a health risk. Did you know that cockroaches and rodents are known to trigger asthma symptoms and lead to the development of allergic asthma for some people? This month, we recognize Asthma Awareness Month and share how you can reduce indoor…