March Tips & Events for Santa Clara County |
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“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” ~Lewis Grizzard
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Our Help Desk received a question asking what’s on this pear tree trunk. The band of red “blobs” is on the shady side of a 6- to 8-year-old semi-dwarf Warren pear tree with a 3–4" diameter trunk. There was leaf litter up to the base of the blobs which was swept away for a better view. Do you recognize what this is? Read to the end to see the answer. |
Photo: Help Desk submission
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Garden Planning in a Drought |
Even when we get good winter rains, our summers are dry. So water-wise garden planning is always a smart choice. If your existing plants are crowded, consider removing some so they don’t compete for water. This is a great time to get rid of any that you don’t really like. Why waste water on them? Don’t add new plants to your landscaping while we remain in a severe drought. Even drought-tolerant plants and California natives need extra water to get established. But you can plan for the future. Get ideas for beautiful drought-tolerant landscapes from the free Growing Natives Garden Tour, April 2 & 3.
Photo: Drought tolerant landscapes can be beautiful, UC
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Yellow Leaves on Citrus Trees |
While there are several possible causes for yellow citrus leaves, the most likely one in winter/early spring is that citrus roots do not absorb nitrogen efficiently from cold, wet soils. There may be adequate nitrogen in the soil, but the roots aren’t able to take it up. However, if the tree doesn’t green up when the weather warms, give it some nitrogen fertilizer, up to 1 lb of N per year for a mature, full-size tree. Dwarf trees or ones in containers require less fertilizer, 1/2 lb of N or less. Do not overfertilize since that may cause other problems.
Photo: Yellow leaves on an orange tree, Help Desk submission
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Time to Prune Frost Damage |
It’s OK to prune frost-damaged plants once the cold winter weather is behind us. When there is still danger of frost, we recommend leaving frost damage on plants so it provides protection to undamaged parts. Plus pruning it off would stimulate tender growth that is susceptible to frost. Although the typical last frost date will vary depending on your location within the county and its microclimate, it’s time to start the spring cleanup soon. |
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Photo: Frost damage on Pelargonium, by Allen Buchinski
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Photo: Flower damaged by camellia petal blight, by Jack Kelly Clark, UC
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Camellia Petal Blight
Camellias are beautiful except when the flowers turn a blotchy brown. This petal blight is caused by a fungus that continues to live in the soil once a plant is infected. To reduce outbreaks, pick off all infected flowers and dispose of them in green waste. Home composting is not hot enough to destroy the pathogen. After blooming, pick up any petal debris. Then spread fresh mulch around and beyond the bush (but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk).
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Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in water sources as small as a bottle cap, and in warm weather, the egg-to-adult lifecycle can be completed in a week or less. UC has tips to minimize breeding habitats as well as more information about the lifecycle and impact of mosquitoes and a checklist of possible mosquito sources around the home. Check your yard and empty water in containers, change the water in birdbaths at least once a week, and report abandoned or neglected swimming pools to Santa Clara County Vector Control.
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Photo: Western malaria mosquito, UC
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Photo: A harmless slime mold on a compost pile, commonly known as “dog vomit slime mold”, Help Desk submission
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What Is this? — Answer
The red blobs on the pear tree are a slime mold. Slime molds come in a variety of colors and shapes. They often appear suddenly and look worrisome. They are fungi and need moisture to grow. According to the Mississippi State Extension, “when slime molds find something to eat, they surround their food and then swallow it. Slime molds may feed indirectly on dissolved substances escaping from organic matter, but they usually feed on microorganisms such as bacteria.” In general, no action is needed. When the area dries out, the slime mold will disappear. Just enjoy this marvel of nature while it’s there.
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Our monthly Plant Clinic Online is an opportunity to chat with a Master Gardener via Zoom to diagnose a plant problem. You can also listen and learn while other people ask questions. It takes place on the second Saturday of the month (March 12), from 10–noon. Priority will be given to questions that are emailed in advance; instructions are in the Zoom registration confirmation. Registration required.
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Check our calendar for the latest schedule of events. Videos of many past presentations are also available.
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University of California Master Gardener volunteers promote sustainable gardening practices and provide research-based horticultural information to home gardeners. Visit our website for more information including:
Have a gardening question? Ask us. We’re here to help!
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