Master Gardener Monthly Newsletter

November 2022 Special Edition

Featured Article

Giving Tuesday November 29th --Save the Date!


Giving Tuesday is a 24-hour global phenomenon of gratitude and generosity. It’s also an opportunity to make a real difference right in your own community by giving to the UC San Mateo-San Francisco Master Gardeners.  


As UC Master Gardeners, we are trained under the auspices of the University of California and operate as non-paid members of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). You know the good work we do but what you may not know is that the operating expenses for the programs we provide are self-funded.


Your tax deductible gift on Giving Tuesday will go directly to our SM/SF chapter operating budget and make it possible for us to continue providing great science-based gardening resources to the public. 


This year your tax-deductible gift goes even farther when you help us reach our goal of winning three challenge prizes of $500 each. We will be competing against all other UC Master Gardener chapters for these challenges:


  • The most individual donations on Giving Tuesday
  • The first single donation of $500 or more
  • The largest amount raised on Giving Tuesday


Please mark your calendar, spread the word to friends and neighbors, and get ready to help us reach our goal on Giving Tuesday, November 29th by making a donation to the San Mateo-San Francisco Master Gardeners.


Thank you so much for your support! We look forward to seeing you in the garden!  

Classes, Videos & More

Winter in Your Garden

December/January/February Checklists

UC Master Gardeners


View seasonal checklists from our main website. From the header bar, select "Resources" then select the season of your interest from the dropdown list. For the current season, read more.

Seed Germination with Soil Blocks

UC Master Gardeners


Our northern California coastal climate allows us to grow vegetables all year round. In contrast to many other parts of the country, where gardens and gardeners are in hibernation, fall is also one of the best times to start winter planting and get a head start on spring planting. Many local nurseries offer seedlings and, as many people discovered during the pandemic, germinating your own plants from seeds is rewarding, inexpensive and fun. Read more.

Climate Change and Master Gardeners

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR)


Plants that usually grew well in our San Francisco Bay Area may be struggling as our climate experiences droughts and warmer weather. Master Gardeners are looking forward to advanced training on how to better assist and serve the community during rising summer temperatures and extreme events. Read more.

Planting the Rain

California Native Plant Society

Video


What are some ways people can prepare for drought? In the middle of a historic drought, it is still possible to have the beautiful, low-water landscape that you've always dreamed about using alternatives to municipal water. Learn more about how you can start to "plant the rain" through different versions of alternative irrigation. View video.

Our Mission Statement

To extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California and be guided by our core values and strategic initiatives." Follow us on our websiteFacebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or YouTube channels.

Gardening Resources

PLANT PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

Choose the affected plant from photos displayed, click on the photo, remove any selections that do not apply, click on the plant names, and continue to filter selections to view the results for a possible diagnoses. Learn more.


GARDENING RESOURCES

Select links to access gardening resources, California Backyard Orchard, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), publications, and finding a local Master Gardener program.  Learn more.


ARBORETUM ALL-STARS

Do you need help picking plants for your sustainable home garden? Selecting from the “Arboretum All-Stars” list is an easy way to start making “green” choices for your great looking garden. Arboretum All-Stars are top plants recommended by the horticultural staff of the UC Davis Arboretum. They thrive in California’s Mediterranean climate and have qualities that make them great choices for sustainable home gardens. Use searchable plant database to pick the perfect All-Star for your garden conditions. For more information, view their website.


NATIVE PLANT RESOURCES

Looking for plants native to California that are not only pretty but are pollinators and drought resistant? A few resources are: Xerces SocietyCalifornia Native Plant Society, and Calflora, Or try a native plant database for plants within your zip code. This website will help you find the best native plants specifically for your area that attract butterflies and moths and the birds that feed on their caterpillars, based on the scientific research of Dr. Douglas Tallamy and Research Assistant Kimberley Shropshire.


CALIFORNIA INVASIVE PLANT COUNCIL

Browse the website to see all plants on the California Invasive Plant Council inventory, including both invasive plants and “watch” species. Clicking on the scientific name will take you to the Plant Profile where you will find links to more information on the plant.

Ask a Master Gardener

 Do you need help with your garden? Have a pest problem? Curious about what will grow well in your region? Ask a Master Gardener by email, and provide the following information to facilitate a prompt response:  


  1. Name
  2. City of residence/zip code
  3. Email
  4. Phone, best time to call
  5. Description of problem/ question -- for plant the type/age of plant, what damage/problem looks like (include location, sun exposure, irrigation type, fertilization, insecticide application)
  6. Please attach photos, if available (overall plant, views of pest, leaves, etc.)


Also, you can call our Helpline at (650) 276-7430 or visit a Master Gardener Helpline located in San Francisco, Redwood City, or Half Moon Bay. For address information and hours of operation, visit our website.

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