In the News

Pruning Roses and Cultivating Beauty

Pruning roses is not just a chore; it's an important practice for nurturing vibrant, healthy roses and fostering the beauty of your garden. In California, where the climate is favorable for growing roses, understanding the significance of pruning is key to achieving thriving and healthy roses.

 

Why Prune?

Pruning isn't merely about maintaining a tidy appearance; it's about promoting the overall well-being of your roses:

• Annual pruning stimulates plant and shoot growth, leading to larger blooms and a more robust structure.
• Removing dead, damaged, or diseased canes minimizes the risk of fungal infections and pest infestations, fostering plant health.
• Thinning out dense growth improves air circulation within the plant, reducing the likelihood of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
• Shaping the plant through pruning enhances its visual appeal, creating a more attractive landscape.

When to Prune

Timing is important when it comes to pruning roses. In California, where winters are mild, the ideal time for pruning is typically between late winter and early spring. Pruning during dormancy allows the plant to focus its energy on new growth when spring arrives.

How to Prune

Pruning may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes a manageable task:

• If the plant is dormant (recommended), remove all remaining leaves.
• Use sharp, clean pruning shears and loppers to make precise cuts, minimizing damage to the plant.
• Trim back old growth by about one-third to improve visibility and encourage new growth. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes to maintain a healthy structure.
• Make pruning cuts approximately ¼-1/2” above an outward-facing bud.  Pruning cuts should be at a 45-degree angle, sloping away from the outward-facing bud.
• Create an open, vase-like shape by removing canes from the center of the plant. This promotes airflow and sunlight penetration, which is essential for plant health.
• Clear away debris and old leaves to prevent disease spread. Consider applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil during dormancy to control pests.

 

Conclusion

Pruning roses is a fundamental aspect of rose care that should not be overlooked. By understanding the importance of pruning and following basic pruning principles, you can nurture thriving roses that add beauty and vitality to your garden year after year. For more details on growing roses and pruning timelines for your area contact your local UC Master Gardener Program.

 

Facebook Live: Search for Excellence, Cross Pollination, Growing Abilities: Cultivating Independence and Community in the Garden

Join us on Facebook on Friday, January 12 for a LIVE event as we learn about El Dorado County's award-winning project, "Cultivating Independence and Community in the Garden." The UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, in partnership with CalFresh Healthy Living and Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises (MORE), created a community garden in California's El Dorado County that served as more than just a gardening space. It offered life skills, self-confidence, and fostered a strong sense of community. Their efforts to provide equal opportunities and inclusivity for adults with disabilities at MORE was recognized as one of the Search for Excellence winners. In a world often focused on individual achievement, this project serves as a reminder of the transformative power of community and collaboration.

No registration or special link needed, the talks will be streamed LIVE to Facebook and YouTube.

 

Speakers:

Tracy Celio, Program Manager Central Sierra, UC Master Gardener Program
Diane Hernandez, UC Master Garden Volunteer El Dorado County
Cailin McLaughlin, CalFresh Healthy Living, Garden Coordinator

 

Date: Friday, January 12
Time: Noon
Link:  https://fb.me/e/8ntmrDNJd

 

 

Facebook Live is an authentic and interactive way to interact with our audience in real time. It also allows the ability to build value, trust and raise brand awareness of the UC Master Gardener Program. Share the Facebook Live opportunity on your personal and local program pages and tune in to the UC Master Gardener Program Facebook Live broadcast! Let us know in the comments section what topics or questions you would like answered on Monday or on future Facebook Live topics.

 

Facebook Live: Search for Excellence, Soboba Cultural Garden: Connecting the Past with the Future

Join us on Facebook on Thurs., Dec. 14 for a LIVE event as we learn about Riverside County's award-winning project, "Soboba Cultural Garden: Connecting the Past with the Future." The UC Master Gardener of Riverside County's work within the Soboba Cultural Garden stood out as an extraordinary testament to the power of gardening in honoring cultural heritage and nurturing a vibrant community. The goal of the Soboba Cultural Garden was and is still “To develop a cultivation system that is grounded in traditional tribal knowledge and connection to the land, while promoting food sovereignty and providing accessibility to health and wellness for its members.” No registration or special link needed, the talks will be streamed LIVE to Facebook and YouTube.

Speakers:

Thurman Howard, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Riverside County
Georgia Renne, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Riverside County

Date: Thursday, Dec. 14
Time: Noon
Link to recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/XMdM0XiWsIc?si=KH1Wui5D2lc8k7Xs

 

Facebook Live is an authentic and interactive way to interact with our audience in real time. It also allows the ability to build value, trust and raise brand awareness of the UC Master Gardener Program. Share the Facebook Live opportunity on your personal and local program pages and tune in to the UC Master Gardener Program Facebook Live broadcast! Let us know in the comments section what topics or questions you would like answered on Monday or on future Facebook Live topics.

Get Your Hands Dirty for 2023 Healthy Soils Week

 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and UC Master Gardener Program invite you to join us in the celebration of Healthy Soils Week Dec. 2-9. Healthy Soils Week is a statewide initiative that shines a spotlight on the pivotal role healthy soil plays in sustaining our environment, gardens, agriculture, and the planet. This year, CDFA has organized a week-long event to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and the benefits it offers to our communities.

Follow @CDFA and @UCMasterGarden on social media using the hashtag #HealthySoilsWeek2023 to stay up to date on Healthy Soils Week content.

As we all come together to learn, share, and grow, let's delve into the incredible world of soil and discover why it deserves a week of recognition.

Why is soil health important?

1. Improved plant health and yields. Healthy soils provide essential nutrients and an ideal environment for plant growth, resulting in higher crop yields and better-quality produce.
2. Increased water infiltration and retention. Healthy soils can absorb and retain water more effectively, reducing runoff and ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture and natural ecosystems.
3. Carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gases. Healthy soils act as a carbon sink, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Reduced sediment erosion and dust. Healthy soils prevent erosion, protecting waterways and air quality by minimizing sediment and dust pollution.
5. Improved water and air quality. Soil health practices filter pollutants, resulting in cleaner water and air for communities and wildlife.
6. Enhanced biological diversity and wildlife habitat. Healthy soils foster diverse microbial communities and provide habitats for countless organisms, contributing to thriving ecosystems.

Healthy Soils Week is a fantastic opportunity to join the movement for soil health and sustainability. By participating in the activities and events, you can learn more about how to protect and enhance the health of our soils.

Upcoming events:

• Saturday, Dec. 2 - Intro to Composting with UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 - World Soil Day 
• Tuesday, Dec. 5 - Cultivate Healthy Soil in Your Garden with UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County 
• Friday, Dec. 8 - UC ANR's Sustainable Nutrient Management and Soil Health Field Day in Salinas

UC Master Gardener volunteers are working within California communities to promote sustainable gardening practices and encourage soil health. Their dedication and expertise make a significant impact on the state's efforts to protect and improve soil quality for future generations. Learn more about the UC Master Gardener Program by visiting mg.ucanr.edu.

Facebook Live: Search for Excellence, Engagement + Education + Enthusiasm = School Garden Success

Join us on Facebook on Fri., Dec. 1 for a LIVE event as we learn about Placer County's award-winning project, "Search for Excellence Second Place: Engagement + Education + Enthusiasm = School Garden Success." UC Master Gardener volunteers of Placer County created engaging, outdoor garden activities that go beyond traditional textbooks, sparking a love for nature and healthy living for students. The project delves into exciting topics like plant care, photosynthesis, the role of worms in soil creation, and the delicious benefits of eating fresh vegetables. No registration or special link needed, the talks will be streamed LIVE to Facebook and YouTube.

Speakers:

Carol Holliman, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Placer County
Melissa Johnson, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Placer County

Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Time: Noon
Link to recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/7v6EYjAcwM0?si=o-0H1U64-cwH2lM9

Facebook Live is an authentic and interactive way to interact with our audience in real time. It also allows the ability to build value, trust and raise brand awareness of the UC Master Gardener Program. Share the Facebook Live opportunity on your personal and local program pages and tune in to the UC Master Gardener Program Facebook Live broadcast! Let us know in the comments section what topics or questions you would like answered on Monday or on future Facebook Live topics.

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