One good, or obnoxious, thing about Southern California gardens, depending on your plant material, is that they really don’t go dormant, they may just take a little “siesta” . Yes, the air and soil temperatures are cooler, and that warm season turf you planted in the early summer may have that yellow/brown cast to it, do not be fooled – […]

South Coast Research and Extension Center 2015 Cherimoya Blind Taste Test The South Coast Research and Extension Center opened up it gates to invited guests, the California Rare Fruit Growers Assoc. and the UCCE Master Gardeners on Friday, January 23, 2015. Attendees were treated to the fourth annual cherimoya tasting held at the UC ANR South Coast Research and Extension […]

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Managing the rodent population on 200 acres of open ag fields is not easy task for Center staff, especially when surrounding areas have been developed, or are in the process of being developed. The question is always asked what is the best method? Well, one is to let mother nature take her course. Center Superintendent, Chris Martinez, was happy to […]

Enjoy the following videos for helpful tips to save water and reduce run off. Cycle and Soak Irrigation Trouble Shooting [Read More …] Plant Earth Water

How many of you remember those dog days of summer and the simple joy of playing in your inflatable or plastic wading pool? The water was always cold but so delightful. I can recall my sister and neighborhood friends all giggling with teeth chattering, such fun. Not having a built-in pool as an adult, I have enjoyed a little larger […]

Have you ever wondered how much available water there is? And how do they measure it? Is it accurate? I have pondered all of these questions, and so have researchers at UC Irvine. If theses thoughts have crossed your mind as well, please read the following article shared by Don Dunkle, UCCE Master Gardener – Orange County. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-groundwater-studies-20150617-story.html [Read More […]

Yes, we are in a drought. No this isn’t the first one, and based on prior history, it won’t be our last. More than the last three years we have been significantly well below the average rainfall for Orange County which is between 10-14 inches. Regardless of the rainfall we receive this year, or even next year, our situation is […]

7th Annual Urban Landscape and Garden Education ExpoActivities for the Whole Family!Saturday, September 26, 20159 am to 2 pm7601 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CADirections, updates and additional details at ucanr.org/sites/urbanwatermgmtExplore the sustainable gardening practices at work at the UCCE Demonstration Landscapes- including rainwater harvesting, low-water plantings, more efficient irrigation, composting,mulching and environmentally friendly pest control alternatives.Taste fresh, seasonal… [Read More …] […]

7th Annual Urban Landscape and Garden Education ExpoActivities for the Whole Family!Saturday, September 26, 20159 am to 2 pm7601 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CADirections, updates and additional details at http://ucanr.edu/sites/urbanwatermgmt/Explore the sustainable gardening practices at work at the UCCE Demonstration Landscapes- including rainwater harvesting, low-water plantings, more efficient irrigation, composting,mulching and environmentally friendly pest control alternatives.Taste fresh,… [Read More …] Plant […]