Come to Harvest Day and reap garden know-how

It’s that time again! Sacramento’s biggest free garden gathering of its kind returns Saturday, Aug. 2, as the Sacramento County master gardeners host their annual Harvest Day.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fair Oaks Horticulture Center (in Fair Oaks Park) will be packed with people eager to learn more about all sorts of gardening, from fruit tree care to water-wise landscaping.

Billed as a “Gardener’s Dream Day,” this event annually draws hundreds if not thousands of enthusiastic gardeners of all ages and experience levels. Admission and parking are free. No pets, please.

Scores of vendors and garden-related clubs and enterprises will be on hand to offer their products, services or advice. (Look for a special little gift from Sacramento Digs Gardening in the event’s goody bag.)

Arrive early to beat the heat. Although Saturday’s forecast high is 92 degrees (and average for that date), the morning will be refreshingly cool, says the National Weather Service. Temperatures before noon will be in the 70s or lower. (Still, wear a hat and sunscreen; cloud cover will be nonexistent.)

There’s also plenty of shade in the Speakers Tent, where the featured presenters will give their talks. All are scheduled for the morning:

8:30 a.m.: “Looking to the Future: Plant Choice for a Changing Climate,” presented by Rose Loveall-Sale (owner of Morningsun Herb Farm) and Karey Windbiel-Rojas, Associate Director for Urban and Community IPM and Area Urban IPM Advisor with the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM).

9:45 a.m.: “Community Wildfire Preparedness Fundamentals,” presented by fire ecologist Katie Low, statewide coordinator for the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Fire Network.

11 a.m.: “Growing Avocados and Subtropical Fruit Trees in the Sacramento Area,” presented by garden designer and horticulturist (and master gardener) Quentyn Young.

Starting at 8:45 a.m., mini talks by master gardeners will be offered at stations throughout the Hort Center. They’ll cover such topics as pruning cane berries, pruning fruit trees, growing (and using) herbs, composting, growing strawberries and water-wise groundcovers. (See website for schedule.)

The Hort Center itself is a living classroom with new displays featured throughout the demonstration gardens. Got questions? This is the place to find answers as master gardeners tackle guests’ garden dilemmas. (Bring examples in zipped plastic bags; photos are good, too.)

Can’t wait to get a start on next year’s garden? The master gardeners’ wonderful 2026 Garden Guide and Calendar makes its debut on Harvest Day; buy your copy at the event.

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, just south of Madison Avenue.