UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis shared advice on April 3 for late spring gardening in the central San Joaquin Valley, highlighting tasks such as pest management, pruning, fertilizing, and planting. The guidance is intended to help local gardeners prepare their gardens before the onset of hot weather.
The recommendations come at a time when sustainable gardening practices are increasingly important for both environmental health and community well-being. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality, according to the official website.
Lewis advised gardeners to accept minor pest damage rather than relying on synthetic insecticides. Suggestions include planting an extra tomato plant for hornworms or using nasturtiums as decoys for aphids. Other tips include mowing lawns with higher blades to shade out weeds, pinching back certain plants to encourage growth, and pruning shrubs after they finish blooming. Gardeners are also encouraged not to over-fertilize because excessive use can lead to waterway contamination and increased water needs.
Spring planting should be completed this month with options such as annuals, perennials like yarrow or dianthus grown from seed, gladiolus bulbs, beans, potatoes, corn, hibiscus shrubs or zinnias. Enjoyable blooms at this time include snapdragons and amaryllis along with fruits like strawberries. Lewis also suggested container plantings in red, white and blue flowers ahead of Independence Day.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources extends university research to California communities through educational programs operating in all 58 counties to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and natural resources. The organization delivers science-based information via workshops and partnerships while mobilizing volunteers and research centers across the state according to the official website.
The University manages Cooperative Extension services as part of its mission within the University of California system according to its official website. It conducts more than 33,000 educational events annually with support from over 18,000 volunteers. Its nine research centers represent diverse ecosystems throughout California while funding comes from public contributions according to its official website.