Santa Cruz

Learn how your own backyard garden can make a difference in keeping our world healthy. The activities you undertake in your garden can significantly influence our environment. By learning and implementing strategies, you can contribute to providing food, water, and shelter for beneficial insects and birds…

Are you curious about the plants that would be best suited for your garden? Perhaps you’re wondering which ones to avoid altogether. In this workshop, we’ll provide you with valuable resources that will assist you in finding the ideal plants for your garden. We’ll also share tips on how to successfully plant…

How healthy is your soil? For this workshop, you’ll need to bring a sealed Ziploc-type bag containing one cup of soil you’ve collected from your garden. During the workshop, we’ll analyze the different soil samples and assess their drainage. We’ll also discuss potential soil amendments and their impact…

The first step in designing your garden is to thoroughly understand your garden site.During this workshop, we’ll conduct a site analysis of the library’s surroundings using tools and techniques that you can apply in your own garden. We’ll guide you through assessing the amount of sunlight you receive and how…

It takes a lot of water, fertilizer, and time to maintain a lush green lawn. Learn how and what to replace your lawn with to improve your soil, reduce your water use and provide habitat for native plants and animals. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we share tips and techniques for removing and…

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to ensure seasonal color in your garden is to include California Native Plants. Join Master Gardener volunteers as we share ideas for using native plants to provide year-round color in your garden.

A few artfully arranged plants tucked into containers or small spaces can create a colorful and inviting garden space! Join Master Gardener volunteers as we share tips and techniques for starting and maintaining small, colorful gardens.

Our Vegetable Gardening Class Series continues...giving less experienced vegetable growers the information they need to succeed.How's Your Garden Growing? Have Questions?Ask a Master Gardener!Every vegetable garden has its ups and downs by mid-summer. Some plants are thriving and giving it their all, while…

Join the UC Master Gardeners for a free Native Plant Boot Camp!Learn to grow a thriving, water-wise garden with California native plants through workshops, expert demonstrations and hands-on activities that are perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.Discover how to support local wildlife and…

A panel of volunteers specializing in freezing, dehydrating, canning and food safety will be available to answer your questions and share their tips so you can safely and successfully preserve food at home.