This episode of "A Garden Runs Through It," from the UC Master Gardener Program of Colusa County, features host Karina, the UC Master Gardener Coordinator of Colusa County, discussing weed management with Liz Eaton.

A weed is any unwanted plant, Eaton describes. The Key characteristics include seed dormancy, long-term seed survival, abundant seed production, and rapid establishment. Identification using plant ID apps is the first step. Site preparation involves soil, plant selection, and irrigation. Mechanical methods include hoeing, cultivation, hand pulling, mowing (below seed heads), and chopping. Solarization uses clear plastic for about 90 days in summer to eliminate small weeds. Remove existing weeds carefully. Mulching with opaque material excludes light; use 1-4 inches, avoid the tree stem. Mowing large areas before planting and string mowers for broadleaf weeds are mentioned. A flamethrower is noted but cautioned against. A vinegar and dish soap mix had limited success as a home remedy. Chemical control is a last resort; identify the weed and read directions carefully. Pre-emergent and post-emergent (like Roundup) options exist. IPM (ecologically based integrated pest management) is encouraged.

Spring gardening chores include planting warm-season vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers, as well as some cool-season crops. Fertilize trees and shrubs once. Watch azaleas and camellias for yellowing and apply chelated iron. Deadhead spent flowers but not spring bulb leaves until yellow. Fertilize bulbs with bone meal after blooming. Apply mulch to retain water, prevent weeds, and enrich soil.

Upcoming UC Master Gardener events in Colusa County: April 5th: Centennial Sprint (2-mile walk/run) celebrating the UC Cooperative Extension Office's 100th anniversary. April 12th: Table at the Colusa County Fairgrounds family fair with succulent planting for kids. The Donna Critchfield demonstration garden is transitioning, harvesting winter vegetables and preparing for spring planting (tomatoes, peppers, squash, marigolds, sunflowers). Visit the UC Master Gardeners of Colusa County on Facebook, their website cecolusa.ucanr.edu, and Instagram @UC Master Gardeners of Colusa. Sign up for their monthly newsletter.

Send us a text

DISCLAIMER: The University of California does not endorse or is associated with any of these products or organizations. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENTS HEREOF, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information presented here as a basis for making any business, legal, medical or any other decisions.

The March episode of A Garden Runs Through It, a podcast by the UC Master Gardener Program of Colusa County, features Karina, the UC Master Gardener Coordinator, and Cynthia White, a UC Master Gardener, discussing essential gardening tasks, upcoming events, and soil health.

Key Topics:

• Gardening Tips: Checking irrigation systems, fertilizing roses, fruit trees, and lawns, managing aphids, preparing garden beds with compost, and planting vegetables like lettuce and carrots.
• Upcoming Events: The UC Master Gardeners will host an information table at the Colusa County Fairgrounds on April 12. Updates on the Donna Critchfield demonstration garden include new plantings and vegetable donations to local food programs.
• Soil Discussion: The importance of healthy soil, proper watering, soil pH levels, and best practices for composting and mulching.

Listeners will gain practical gardening advice and insights on maintaining healthy plants throughout the season.

Do you have a question for the Master Gardeners, email karbarrera@ucanr.edu ; be sure to include "GARDEN PODCAST" in the subject line to have your question considered to be answered on the show.

• For more information about the UC Master Gardeners of Colusa County, click here
• To sign up for the UC Master Gardener's of Colusa County Newsletter, click here
• "Like" the UC Master Gardeners of Colusa County on Facebook.

Want to give to the UC Master Gardner's of Colusa County? Donate at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/donate/?fund_id=1283 - be sure to mention you heard the podcast.

Send us a text

DISCLAIMER: The University of California does not endorse or is associated with any of these products or organizations. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENTS HEREOF, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information presented here as a basis for making any business, legal, medical or any other decisions.

The podcast, "A Garden Runs Through It," is produced by the UC Master Gardener Program of Colusa County. The podcast features Karina, the UC Master Gardener Coordinator of Colusa County, as the host, along with two UC Master Gardeners, Cynthia Peterson and Barbara Schemer. The podcast includes segments about:

• Gardening chores and upcoming events, such as what to plant in February, including radishes, beets, chard, peas, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, snapdragons, candy tuft, lark spur, cowbells, and stock.
• Information about planting summer bulbs, such as dahlias, gladiolas, Asiatic lilies, bearded iris, callas, and daylilies, including how to plant and care for them.
• Updates from the Donna Critchfield Demonstration Garden, including what has been planted and harvested, and new additions like a new herb garden made of cinder blocks and a refreshed mulch path.
• Listeners also learn about what's growing in the hosts' gardens, including Daphne, camellias, orange trees and lemon trees.

Do you have a question for the Master Gardeners, email karbarrera@ucanr.edu ; be sure to include "GARDEN PODCAST" in the subject line to have your question considered to be answered on the show.

• For more information about the UC Master Gardeners of Colusa County, click here
• To sign up for the UC Master Gardener's of Colusa County Newsletter, click here
• "Like" the UC Master Gardeners of Colusa County on Facebook.

Want to give to the UC Master Gardner's of Colusa County? Donate at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/donate/?fund_id=1283 - be sure to mention you heard the podcast.

Send us a text

DISCLAIMER: The University of California does not endorse or is associated with any of these products or organizations. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENTS HEREOF, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information presented here as a basis for making any business, legal, medical or any other decisions.