UC San Mateo/San Francisco Master Gardener Fund

A big THANK YOU to all who made generous donations on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Thanks to you, our program raised over $5,000 in just 24 hours. We're so grateful for your support! Donations we received will help ensure UC Master Gardeners will be able to continue to provide knowledge and essential resources to the people of California, in times of crisis and beyond. Again, thank you for your generosity and supporting a healthier California. We look forward to sharing information and progress with you in the new year. Wishing you all a season filled with warm moments and cherished memories! Not able to donate on Giving Tuesday? Donations are always gratefully accepted!

UC Master Gardeners Blog

We're spending a lot of time indoors so it's more important than ever to create comfortable and inviting spaces in which to live, work, and play. It's crucial to our mental and physical wellbeing! Many people are using houseplants to bring a bit of nature indoors. What does it take to keep a houseplant healthy, safe, and happy? It's fairly simple: good growing medium, water, light, and nutrients. Begin by keeping a simple database of each houseplant with its name, date purchased, size, and its light, water, and nutrient needs. Read more about this article that appeared in "On the Coastside Magazine" as well as other Blog articles.

Occasionally a subscriber contacts us for additional information, or just to say thank you. Recently we received this lovely email:

"We appreciate these informative newsletters and especially want to thank you for the pumpkin gift filled with succulents . We are both seniors who attend the programs at Fair Oaks and Veterans Centers in Redwood City. We are certainly very blessed and thankful in more ways."

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.

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!