Under the Solano Sun

golden yellow sunflower highlighted in a field of sunflowers against the blue sky

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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avocado leaves with purple hue
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The Amazing SEX Life of Avocados

June 2, 2025
Blog article by Brenda Altman and SnugsI have been trying to grow avocados for several years. I have started the seeds with toothpicks many times, often forgetting to water them or letting the water become gooey with scum. I have planted many seeds, but they all died. I had an avocado plant that I…
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Graduating Class

May 30, 2025
Blog article by Mike Gunther22 new MG graduates16 weeks and a final examVery smart UC class  Ready for serviceEach with their own talentsWish their journey well 
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Melianthus major

May 29, 2025
Blog article by Michelle SchlegelMelianthus major, or Honey Bush, is a South African native. It can take full sun or partial shade and will grow 8-12 feet tall. I grew it in full, hot sun for a few years, and it did very well. I eventually moved it to put in a cactus garden instead. It currently gets sun…
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Potato Chronicles

May 20, 2025
Blog article by Nanelle Jones-SullivanI recently got an email saying seed potatoes will ship mid-April. Potatoes are a cool-season crop, which for my microclimate ends, not begins, in mid-April.  I order mine in the fall and look for “early” varieties (and the long, thin finger-shaped…
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Bugs 'N' Bees

May 19, 2025
Blog article by Michelle SchlegelThis was my first time growing Broccoli. It’s very easy and productive, and we regularly enjoyed it in our meals. Often, I had to hose off a few aphids here and there, and that worked for a while. But along came two 80-degree days. It bolted from those two warm days, and then…
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