The San Mateo/San Francisco Counties Master Gardeners held a Zoom presentation on August 15, 2020. What were the four most asked questions and their answers? Read more.

In the August 2020 issue of the Coastside Magazine, one of our San Mateo/San Francisco Master Gardeners discusses books for children. With so many children at home for the foreseeable future, finding good resources is even more important. There are some books you can enjoy with the children in your life to share the magic of growing things! Many are available as e-books, from your local public library, or ordered through your local bookstore. Read more.

We miss connecting with the public during this difficult time. We have been busy working on virtual talks and workshops, so please continue to view our website calendar for future events, and hopefully we can have in-person meetings soon.

San Mateo/San Francisco Counties Master Gardeners

August 22, 2020, 10:00am-11:30am

How do I know my compost is done? Why is my compost pile stinky? How do I keep pests out of my compost? Join us for an interactive Zoom seminar to get the answers you need. The panel of experts are UC Master Gardens/Master Composters who will take your question, photos, and videos in advance of the seminar to be sure to address common and difficult issues during the seminar. Registration required. A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

San Mateo/San Francisco Counties Master Gardeners

August 26, 2020, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Learn simple and inexpensive ways to grow edible plants in any space using readily available supplies. Seed propagation kits will be available for pick-up from the downtown Redwood City Public Library from August 20 to August 27, while supplies last. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library Bookstore. For more information please contact fpotter@redwoodcity.org. Registration required. A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

San Mateo/San Francisco Counties Master Gardeners

September 26, 2020, 10:00am-11:30am

Featured topics will include crops to plant in the fall, garden kits for teachers, activities for distance learning, and more. This workshop is open to residents or schools in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. If you have questions, contact smsfmg.schoolgarden@gmail.com. Registration required ($10.00 materials fee applies). A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

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.

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

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 a searchable plant database to pick the perfect All-Star for your garden conditions. For more information, view their website.

View videos created by the UCCE Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.

Grow Organic Peaceful Valley

The arrival of September means fall is right around the corner. Not sure what to do in your garden at this time? Learn 25 organic gardening tips. View video.

Due to the “Shelter in Place” order issued by all Bay Area counties, including San Mateo and San Francisco, the Master Gardeners are working remotely, effective March 17, 2020. All questions can be directed via email.

Please provide the following information to facilitate a prompt response:

Since the Bay Area “shelter in place” requirements have kept many of us at home, gardening in your own backyard has become much more popular! We are seeing an increased interest at the Helpline from both new and established gardeners. It is fun to see many new gardeners asking for advice with questions such as “What do I do with these raised vegetable beds? ”and “How do I start a vegetable garden when I know nothing about gardening?” During the first 30 days of our “shelter in place,” we have had 147 helpline questions, with 17% of them asking about the Spring Garden Market. Many, many thanks to all of our Helpline Volunteers who are working the Helpline remotely and keeping our clients happily gardening!

For more information, visit Advice to Grow By – Ask a Master Gardener!