Plant Health

Plants can dry out quickly when exposed to constant wind. Photo credit: UC Regents The force, direction, and persistence of the wind determine the type of damage plants may suffer. Most damage occurs with winds above 30 miles per hour.

Drought stressed leaves may curl and look scorched. Photo credit: UC Regents Water is essential for the chemical and physical processes that plants need to survive and grow. Healthy plants depend on the movement of water from the soil through the roots and up into the leaves.

Gardens are always changing: plants grow, soils change, leaves fall, and weeds sprout. All plants, whether in your garden or in your home, need consistent maintenance and care.

The application process for the UC Master Gardeners of Merced County's 2026 Training Class will open in fall 2025. Any Merced County adult resident with an interest in horticulture (plants, lawns, trees, vegetables and more) and public service are encouraged to apply for the Master Gardener Program.

Send us an email anrmgmerced@ucanr.edu Visit our information booth at the Merced Farmer's Market on the first and third of most Saturdays from 8-11am (March- October). Attend one of our monthly community workshops. Click here to view the event calendar. Subscribe to our public newsletter.

Master Gardeners are trained educational outreach volunteers with the University of California Cooperative Extension program; they provide practical scientific horticulture and gardening information to gardeners in their communities across California.