March Tips & Events for Santa Clara County
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"
A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.
”
—
Doug Larson
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Become a UC Master Gardener!
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Do you have a love of gardening and a strong desire to share your knowledge? Now is the time to learn about becoming a Master Gardener. We only train new classes every other year, so submit your name by May 31 to find out more.
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Citrus Quarantine
The only quarantine currently in effect in Santa Clara County is for the
Asian Citrus Psyllid
. This pest spreads huanglongbing, a citrus greening disease that can kill entire trees. For most of San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara, and Milpitas, do not move citrus plant material, including stems and leaves, out of the quarantine area. It is okay to take clean or prepared fruit to family, friends, co-workers, and food banks.
Photo: Brownish adult, yellow nymphs, and white wax of Asian citrus psyllids. Photo by Michael E. Rogers, University of Florida.
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Dividing Orchids
When your cymbidium orchid blooms start to fade, you can divide them if they have become crowded in the pot. Remove the clump from the pot. Look for healthy pseudobulbs with green leaves growing from them. Cut the clump into sections with three or more bulbs each and replant each new smaller clump into a separate pot.
Photo: cymbidium blossoms, Allen Buchinski
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Fertilizing Roses
Fertilize your roses monthly starting in March and continuing until the fall. Fertilizers designed specifically for roses will supply the right nutrient balance. Follow label directions. Applying too much fertilizer produces excess tender new growth which will attract pests such as aphids.
Photo: UC, Jack Kelly Clark
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Right Plant, Right Place
When doing spring planting, choose plants that are likely to do well in our area. Plants that don't need a lot of work and are not under stress are less likely to have problems with pests and diseases. Things to keep in mind—in order—are the function of the landscape (food, privacy, play); the unique conditions of the site (soil, climate, sun); the width of the plant at maturity; the eventual height; and lastly the color of the flowers and foliage. For example, if you're planting ornamentals, the
UC Davis Arboretum All Star Plants
have a great selection of plants that do well in California.
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Peas
In some parts of the country it is a tradition to plant peas on St. Patrick's Day, but we can plant them weeks earlier. In fact, it's best to think of March as the last chance before fall to plant this cool-season crop. Seeds can be sowed directly into the ground or raised bed or container. Plant the seeds about an inch deep, preferably in soil amended with compost. Water them well to help them germinate. Provide vertical support early for the climbing vines.
Photo: peas in pod, University of California
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We Can Start the Plants for You!
The Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County specialize in researching tomato varieties that taste best and grow best in our area and making those available to the public. After testing them in our research gardens, we plant about 100 varieties in our greenhouses and sell them at our annual Spring Garden Market. This year we will be at a new location, Martial Cottle Park in San Jose, Saturday, April 14, starting at 9:00 a.m. Mark it on your calendars! We also have many varieties of sweet and hot chiles, herbs, and lots of other summer vegetables and flowers.
Photo: young tomato seedlings, by Bracey Tiede
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Visit or subscribe to
our blog
for longer articles on seasonal topics
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Sat, Mar 17, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.,
Growing Potatoes
, Community Room Bascom Branch Library, 1000 South Bascom Ave,
San Jose
Sat, Mar 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.,
From Seed to Plant
, Berryessa Public Library, 3355 Noble Ave,
San Jose
Wed, Mar 28, 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.,
Native Plant Allstars
, Sunnyvale Main Library, 665 W. Olive Ave,
Sunnyvale
Wed, Mar 28, 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.,
All About Tomatoes!
, Los Altos Public Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road,
Los Altos
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Have a gardening question? Contact our Hotline (for Santa Clara County residents). Start by reviewing our plant
problem diagnosis tips
.
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Santa Clara County Master Gardener Program volunteers are trained under the auspices of the UCCE. Our mission is to promote sustainable gardening practices by providing up-to-date, research-based horticultural information to home gardeners.
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University policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws.
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