Master Gardener Monthly Newsletter

April 2023

Featured Article

Spring Garden Market and Educational Fair

UC Master Gardeners

San Mateo County Event Center, Redwood Hall

2495 South Delaware Street

San Mateo, CA 94403

April 15, 2023, 9:00am-1:00pm


The UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties are holding their public Spring Garden Market and Educational Fair on April 15th from 9:00am-1:00pm at the San Mateo County Event Center's Redwood Hall. This event will offer a large variety of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, herbs, succulents, pollinators and other plants that have been selected and grown just for the San Francisco and Peninsula climate zones. In addition to plants, there will be free demonstrations and workshops, educational tables and displays, and Master Gardeners available to answer any questions. Funds raised will be used to purchase material and supplies for future training and workshops that will be free to the public. Read more about the fair and a list of plants available.

Upcoming Events

Spring in Your Garden

March/April/May Checklists

UC Master Gardeners


Find information for the current season, or view other seasonal checklists using the left panel of our main website.

Plant Clinic in San Mateo

UC Master Gardeners

San Mateo Arboretum in Central Park

101 9th Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94401

April 2, 2023, 12:00pm-3:00pm


UC Master Gardeners will be available to answer your questions from general information to advice about specific problems. Bring samples of your problem plants in clear plastics bags for better diagnosis. If you suspect insect damage, try to include some of the insects so they can be correctly identified. Registration not required. No registration required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Growing Natives Garden Tour 2023

Organized by the California Native Plant Society (Santa Clara Valley Chapter) in association with UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County

April 1-2, 2023, 10:00am-4:00pm


This is a free and public event sponsored by the California Native Plant Society, which will also feature the Master Gardeners' Native Plant Habitat Garden in San Carlos, CA. The tour hosts over 50 public and private gardens, and features gardens in the San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. Visit the Growing Natives Garden Tour website for more information.

Organic Spring & Summer Vegetable Gardening

UC Master Gardeners

San Mateo Arboretum Society

101 9th Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94401

April 2, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm


This class will cover what is possible to grow and harvest in spring and summer, as well as how to care for your spring/ summer garden. Discussion will include sowing seeds, care for seedlings, when to plant, how to amend your soil before planting, and how and when to harvest, all using sustainable and organic techniques. There will also be a review of cover cropping and how to keep your soil alive. This class is in partnership with the San Mateo Arboretum Society. This is a Zoom and a small in-person group event. Registration required.

Spiller-Thriller-Filler Container Gardening

UC Master Gardeners

San Francisco Public Library

Mission Bay Branch

960 4th Street

San Francisco, CA 94158

April 2, 2023, 2:00pm-3:30pm


Do you want to have planters overflowing with colorful flowers, herbs and trailing plants? Learn how to use the spiller, thriller, filler method of plant placement as the key to creating stunning containers. You will also learn how to select the best containers for your project, and how to care for the plants and refresh them as the seasons change. No registration required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Gardening for Bees and Butterflies

UC Master Gardeners

Pacifica Sanchez Library

1111 Terra Nova Boulevard

Pacifica, CA 94044

April 8, 2023, 1:00pm-2:00pm


What are the basic needs of bees and butterflies and how can you provide those requirements? What are their favorite plants and flowers? Join us for a fast-paced class that covers everything you need to know about attracting pollinators to your yard, be it large or small. Registration required.

Vegetable Gardening In Containers

UC Master Gardeners

San Francisco Public Library

Richmond Branch

351 9th Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94118

April 8, 2023, 1:00-2:30pm


Learn to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and even fruit using containers. This class is perfect for anyone with a small outdoor space in San Francisco. You will learn about the types of containers to use, microclimates, soil needs and watering options. This class is offered in partnership with San Francisco Public Libraries. No registration required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Secrets to Successful Succulent Landscaping

UC Master Gardeners

Zoom presentation

April 12, 2023, 1:00pm-3:00pm


Learn the secrets to a successful, healthy and colorful succulent landscape, You will learn what are the most important things to consider before shopping for plants, and be provided with garden design basics that include the use of color, shapes, textures and heights. This class is offered in partnership with Lyngso Building Materials. Registration required.

Divisadero Farmers Market

1377 Fell Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

Sundays Year-Round, 9:00am-1:00pm


The Divisadero Farmers Market sees close to 1,000 visitors annually on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Find citrus, winter greens, root veggies, Brussels sprouts, and more. Watch for spring onions, peas, fava beans, and other spring arrivals.  Visit the Master Gardener table for answers to your plant questions and about the Master Gardener program. Street parking available; for public transportation visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website. Visit the Divisadero Farmers Market website for more information.

Vegetable Gardening in Containers

UC Master Gardeners

Belmont Library

1110 Alameda de las Pulgas

Belmont, CA 94002

April 17, 2023, 6:30pm-7:30pm


In this class you will learn how to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and even fruit on a patio, balcony or any small space using containers. We will discuss the types of containers to use, which plants to grow for your microclimate as well as soil needs and watering options. No registration required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Bees and Butterflies in the Garden

UC Master Gardeners

Millbrae Library

1 Library Avenue

Millbrae, CA 94030

April 19, 2023, 6:00pm-7:00pm


What are the basic needs of bees and butterflies and how can you provide those requirements? What are their favorite plants and flowers? Join us for a fast-paced class that covers everything you need to know about attracting pollinators to your yard, be it large or small. No registration is required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Bees and Butterflies in the Garden

UC Master Gardeners

Redwood City Library

1044 Middlefield Road

Redwood City, CA 94063

April 22, 2023, 10:30am-12:00pm


What are the basic needs of bees and butterflies and how can you provide those requirements? What are their favorite plants and flowers? Join us for a fast-paced class that covers everything you need to know about attracting pollinators to your yard, be it large or small. No registration is required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Learn to Grow (Almost) Anything in a Container

UC Master Gardeners

Woodside Library

3140 Woodside Road

Woodside, CA 94062

April 22, 2023, 11:00am-12:00pm


Learn the essential steps for successful container gardening outside. Whether you want to grow vegetables, flowers or succulents, the principles are the same. Also learn about assessing your microclimate, selecting the right pot and plant, setting it up and keeping it healthy. These guidelines will allow you to grow almost anything in a pot. Registration is not required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Vegetable Gardening in Containers

UC Master Gardeners

Foster City Library

1000 East Hillsdale Boulevard

Foster City, CA 94404

April 25, 2023, 11:00am-12:00pm


In this class you will learn how to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and even fruit on a patio, balcony or any small space using containers. We will discuss the types of containers to use, which plants to grow for your microclimate as well as soil needs and watering options. No registration required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

All About Herbs and Edible Flowers

UC Master Gardeners

Atherton Library

2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane

Atherton, CA 94027

April 28, 2023, 11:30am-1:00pm


Discover or renew a new gardening excitement and learn the basics of growing, harvesting and using culinary herbs and edible flowers. Propagate your plants from seeds, cuttings, transplants and divisions. Integrate your herbs and edible flowers in your native landscapes, vegetable gardens and containers. Maintain your plants with sustainable methods, and harvest your herbs to use them fresh or preserve them for future use. Let’s have fun while sharing the many ideas for using herbs. No registration required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

Bees and Butterflies in the Garden

UC Master Gardeners

North Fair Oaks Library

2510 Middlefield Road

Redwood City, CA 94063

April 30, 2023, 1:00pm-2:00pm


What are the basic needs of bees and butterflies and how can you provide those requirements? What are their favorite plants and flowers? Join us for a fast-paced class that covers everything you need to know about attracting pollinators to your yard, be it large or small. No registration is required. For more information, visit our calendar of events.

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

 UC Master Gardener volunteers are ready help you and your garden. Have a question about gardening? Have a pest problem? Curious about what will grow well in your region? Submit your inquiry online.


Or visit the Master Gardener Helpline by phone, email, on the web, or in person. For more information visit our website.

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