Walk through the fertilizer aisle at any garden center and you’ll notice three numbers printed prominently on every bag or bottle, such as 10-10-10, 5-10-5, or 16-4-8. These are called the N-P-K numbers, and they tell you the percentage of the three primary nutrients plants need to grow. Understanding these numbers can help you choose […]
By Delta Informal Gardeners The August Gardening Checklist for East Contra Costa County helps gardeners keep vegetables, flowers, trees, and landscapes healthy during the hottest part of summer. August is also the perfect time to prepare your garden for a productive fall growing season. Use this checklist to keep your landscape healthy while preparing for cooler […]
What starts as curiosity can sometimes become a lifelong passion. For Delta Informal Gardeners member Margo Olson, that journey began just four years ago when a swarm of honey bees unexpectedly found her. Today, she cares for two thriving honey bee colonies in her backyard and enjoys sharing what she’s learned with fellow gardeners. At […]
A Simple Guide Using Cal Poly’s Free Tree Selection Tool By Robin Choate Planting a tree is one of the best investments you can make in your landscape. The right tree can provide shade, reduce summer heat, attract birds and pollinators, improve air quality, and add beauty to your yard for generations. But with so […]
Healthy gardens begin with healthy soil, but even healthy soil may need additional nutrients from time to time. Understanding the different types of fertilizers can help gardeners make informed decisions based on their plants, soil conditions, and gardening goals. Rather than asking which fertilizer is “best,” it is often more useful to understand when each […]