Summer 2022

Ask a Master Gardener

Have you been to a farmers' market lately? You will find an ‘Ask a Master Gardener (AAMG)’ table staffed with UC Master Gardener volunteers at many Contra Costa County Farmers' Market locations. Most markets are held on Saturday or Sunday.

UC Master Gardener volunteers offer you excellent science-based home garden advice. Pests in the garden are our #1 one inquiry! These pests include vertebrates, such as gophers, rats, ground squirrels, and deer (the top four inquiries); and invertebrates, especially aphids, earwigs, ants, and bees (the majority of your insect gardening questions.)

In addition to answering your questions about pests in your home and garden, we also offer advice on garden sustainability, including but not limited to: the importance of good soil, the use of mulch and compost, how to garden during this severe drought with less water (e.g., drip irrigation), plant diseases, how to start a new garden, how to become a UC Master Gardener volunteer.

In case there’s a question we cannot immediately answer, we will refer you to our Help Desk for more thorough research using the University of California's vast collection of science-based resources on horticultural gardening.

Visit our website for more information and scheduled AAMG events. We also offer this service online as a ‘Virtual Ask a Master Gardener’ VAAMG table. Hungry to learn more? Our website and YouTube channel can keep you current on garden talk events, classes, and webinars.

Hope to see you soon!

Article by Kathy Gage, UC Master Gardener of Contra Costa County
Photo courtesy: Harv Singh, Market Director, San Ramon Farmers Market