Get answers to garden questions while watching experts at work
The pineapple sage in the Herb Garden at the Horticulture Center is looking a little shaggy these days. Learn about pruning herbs and many other topics during Open Garden this Saturday.
At the master gardeners’ Open Garden, of course!
On Saturday, Jan. 20, the UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County kick off 2024 with their first Open Garden of the year at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Fair Oaks Park – rain or shine.
From 9 a.m. to noon, the public is invited to join dozens of masters gardeners as they work in the Hort Center’s various specialty areas. Admission and parking are free. (No pets, please.)
“Open gardens are informal free events where you roam the gardens, watch what we are doing, see what we are growing and ask questions,” explain the master gardeners. “Bring samples of your problem plants, mystery pests and questions to the ‘Ask the Master Gardeners’ information table. Get one-on-one advice based on the most recent research-based sustainable practices.”
In addition, catch up with what’s happening in our cool-season gardens.
“Winter’s delights originate outdoors with seeds, ornamental berries and citrus fruit,” say the master gardeners. “Listen to mini-talks and talk with master gardeners among the various demonstration garden areas.”
Current topics include:
Orchard: Learn about keeping pests away, why wait to prune, and information about planting new trees.
Berries: Ask about the tastiest varieties to plant.
Compost: Keep it out of your green waste can and learn how to make your own compost.
Herbs: See how and why herbs need to be trimmed before spring growth.
WEL: Water-efficient landscape is a perfect choice to replace a lawn or add to your landscape.
Vegetables: Learn why to cover cool-weather crops with protective cloth.
Vineyard: Look for signs of bud growth on grape stems. Ask about pruning methods.
It’s also not too late to pick up a copy of the master gardeners’ excellent 2024 Garden Guide and Calendar; it will be on sale during the event. The garden guide is only $12 including tax, cash or check.
“It is a wonderful reminder of tasks to keep your garden healthy and thriving all year,” say the master gardeners. “A how-to guide on creating a habitat garden is featured this year advising you on plants to attract pollinators, birds and beneficial insects. Proceeds from sales help support the Master Gardeners of Sacramento County community projects.”
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is located at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks.
More details and directions: https://sacmg.ucanr.edu/.
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Garden Checklist for week of May 5
Survey your garden after the May 4 rainstorm. Heavy rain and gusty winds can break the neck of large flowers such as roses. Also:
* Keep an eye on new transplants or seedlings; they could take a pounding from the rain.
* Watch out for powdery mildew. Warmth following moist conditions can cause this fungal disease to “bloom,” too. If you see a leaf that looks like it’s dusted with powdered sugar, snip it off.
* After the storm, start setting out tomato transplants, but wait on the peppers and eggplants (they want warmer nights). Pinch off any flowers on new transplants to make them concentrate on establishing roots instead of setting premature fruit.
* Trim dead flowers but not leaves from spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Those leaves gather energy to create next year's flowers. Also, give the bulbs a fertilizer boost after bloom.
* Pinch chrysanthemums back to 12 inches for fall flowers. Cut old stems to the ground.
* Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds.
* From seed, plant beans, beets, cantaloupes, carrots, corn, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, radishes and squash.
* Plant onion sets.
* In the flower garden, plant seeds for asters, cosmos, celosia, marigolds, salvia, sunflowers and zinnias. Transplant petunias, zinnias, geraniums and other summer bloomers.
* Plant perennials and dahlia tubers for summer bloom.
* Don’t wait; plant summer bulbs, such as gladiolus and tuberous begonias.
* Harvest cabbage, lettuce, peas and green onions.
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