UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis has released a set of gardening recommendations for the week of March 20 to 26. The guidance, prepared with information adapted from “A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley,” encourages gardeners to enjoy their spring gardens while following sustainable practices.
The advice comes as part of ongoing efforts by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) to promote sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. UC ANR extends university research to communities across all 58 counties in California through educational programs, workshops, and partnerships, aiming to support both environmental and economic vitality according to the official website.
Lewis recommends composting weed-free grass clippings and other disease-free garden waste or starting a grasscycling program for existing lawns. For pruning tasks, he advises shaping hedges but warns against applying treatments to pruning cuts, noting that such materials are often ineffective or even harmful. Gardeners are also encouraged not to overfertilize, as excessive use can contaminate waterways and lead to increased water needs.
Planting suggestions include annual summer herbs and vegetables at two-week intervals for successive crops. Specific plants recommended for this period include black-eyed susan vine, sunflower, verbena, zinnia, gladiolus bulbs, chard, spinach, lettuce, shoestring acacia trees, bottlebrush shrubs, yarrow perennials, gazania flowers, among others. Lewis also notes that certain annuals and perennials like alstroemeria and snapdragon are currently in bloom.
For pest management during this time of year, Lewis suggests spraying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if oakworms or caterpillars are present and repeating every seven to ten days as a preventative measure. He invites gardeners experiencing problems to submit questions and photos to the Fresno County Master Gardeners Helpline.
UC ANR secures funding through public contributions according to the official website, manages Cooperative Extension services within the University of California system according to the official website, operates nine research centers representing diverse ecosystems according to the official website, conducts nearly 34,000 educational events annually with over 18,000 volunteers according to the official website, and is recognized for linking research with community needs according to the official website.
As spring progresses in California gardens, UC ANR continues its mission of delivering science-based information through its network of volunteers and research centers according to the official website. These efforts aim not only at supporting individual gardeners but also at enhancing broader community development across the state.