HOrT COCO: UC Master Gardener Program-Contra Costa-Blog
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Caring for Holiday Plants
Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. Q: I like to decorate my home at the holidays with poinsettias and other holiday plants, but they don't last very long. Can I get my...
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The Period of Persephone
To explain seasonal changes, the ancient Greeks told the story of Persephone, goddess of the Spring, who was abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld. Her mother Demeter, goddess of...
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Mistletoe Prunings Can Be Holiday Decorations
Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. Q: I have a lot of mistletoe in my street tree, which is some sort of ash, I think. Is it a problem and if so, how do I get rid of...
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Garlic Part 2 - Planting / Care / Curing
Garlic (Allium sativum) is loved and respected around the world as a symbol of protection and luck. It is thought to impart strength and endurance and is prized as a natural medicinal remedy with...
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Garlic, Love It or Leave It
Whether you fall into the camp of a little goes a long way or too much is never enough, I hope to convince you that growing garlic is worthy of your time and some space in the garden. Let's look at...
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Weeds and Weed Seeds
Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times Conquer weeds by understanding their life cycles As a gardener in Contra Costa County, you know from observation that weeds have an...
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Growing Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns
Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. Q: I know that acorns are the seeds of oak trees, but how do I plant them? A: Oaks are an important part of the California...
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Seeds Are Worth Saving
It's getting close to the end of our summer gardening season. Now is the time to start thinking about next summer's garden. Do you have annual flower or vegetable varieties that did really well in...
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Spider Mites
Spider mites are very common pests found on many of our landscape and vegetable garden plants. They are tiny and difficult to see but once you learn about them, you might start seeing evidence of...
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Spiders: Friends Not Foes
This time of year, as the heat increases and things start to get dusty, you might see a number of webs on your plants. Uh oh. Are these webs a sign of spider mites? Chances are the webs you see...