UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis released a set of gardening recommendations for the week of March 13 to 19. The guidance includes advice on plant selection, lawn care, pruning, fertilizing, and planting for gardeners in the Central San Joaquin Valley.
The weekly update is intended to help local gardeners make informed decisions about their gardens while promoting sustainable practices. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality, according to the official website.
Lewis advises gardeners to look for new plant varieties that use less water and consider native plants suitable for the area. Tasks recommended this week include removing thatch and aerating warm-season lawns such as Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine grasses to improve water penetration. Gardeners are also encouraged to water citrus trees carefully, hand-pick snails and slugs daily or use non-toxic bait, prune azaleas and camellias after blooming, finish pruning deciduous trees, fertilize acid-loving plants after bloom if needed, and plant annual summer herbs and vegetables at two-week intervals for successive crops.
Additional suggestions include pulling weeds early to avoid later spraying, checking roots when selecting plants in cell packs from nurseries, and considering composting to reduce green waste. UC ANR conducts 33,810 educational events each year and engages over 18,420 volunteers in its initiatives, according to the official website.
UC ANR extends university research through educational programs across all 58 counties in California by delivering science-based information via workshops and partnerships. The organization mobilizes volunteers and research centers to address state issues while enhancing economic contributions according to the official website.
UC ANR secures funding through public contributions to support its programs as part of the University of California system managing Cooperative Extension services. It utilizes nine research and extension centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website. UC ANR has gained recognition for its trusted services linking research with community needs.