The Latest Dirt - March 2024

The Return of AAMG!

By Laura Brainin-Rodriguez

We have an exciting Ask a Master Gardener season coming up! AAMG is unique in that we reach Contra Costa County residents as they go about their lives at Farmers Markets, Our Garden, and single-day events throughout the county. Our usual season runs from April to October.

Three farmers markets, Concord, Moraga, and Pinole, have decided to start in March instead of April to better promote the Great Tomato Plant Sale. All AAMG events are posted on the Volunteer Management System Calendar on the 10th of the prior month.

The rest of our farmer's markets and Our Garden AAMG tables will begin in April. We also have several fun Single Day Events in April at:

• Ruth Bancroft Pollinators and Friends (4/06/24)
• San Ramon Historical Foundation Sheep Shearing Day (4/13/24)
• John Muir Earth Day/Birthday Celebration (4/20/24).

 AAMG will also table at our five GTPS events, April 13 - 15 in Central County, April 20 at Rivertown Demonstration Garden in East County and April 27 at the Richmond Civic Center Public Library in West County.

We reach thousands of home gardeners annually, providing them with UCANR-approved, evidence-based information to help them grow food, maintain their landscapes, conserve water, and implement sustainable gardening practices.

We want to encourage returning and new UC Master Gardeners, especially the graduating class of 2024, to join us at our tables. You'll get to be outdoors, spend time with welcoming and experienced master gardeners, and develop confidence in serving Contra Costa residents.

AAMG will hold a fun and informative kick-off event at Bisso Lane on March 25, 2024. We will share new resources and items for our show-and-tell boxes and distribute updated print materials. We will notify the AAMG member roster when signups are available on VMS.