“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

~ Albert Camus

Join Us at Our Fall Garden Fair

Greet the cool-weather gardening season by joining us at our annual Fall Garden Fair on October 11, 9 am–2 pm, hosted in conjunction with Martial Cottle Park’s Fall Festival. Free admission, $6 parking.

Want to learn about cover crops, growing winter vegetables, starting a home orchard, and planting native plants? Attend talks on these topics and more, get one-on-one advice from Master Gardeners, and check out our many demonstrations and booths. Our plant sale offers vegetable, ornamental, and native plant seedlings, plus succulents, garlic & shallot bulbs. There will be kids activities, a seed swap, and more. See you there!

Photo credit: Derek Bryant

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine

A large part of San Jose and surrounding areas are under a new quarantine for the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Medfly). These destructive pests damage over 250 types of fruits, nuts and vegetables. If established, they could devastate both commercial and homegrown produce.

To prevent the spread of Medfly, people living in the quarantine zone (check your address) are urged not to move fruits, nuts or vegetables off the property where they are grown. Harvest, process or consume them at your home. Seal uneaten or unprocessed produce in plastic bags and place it in the trash. Do not compost or put it in green waste.

Photos: a Mediterranean fruit fly perched on the surface of a citrus fruit, Florida Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org; fruit that has fallen from the tree is a potential breeding site for flies, Ying Chen

Protect & Replenish Your Soil

Photo: Fava bean plants as part of a cover crop mix including pea, hairy vetch, and oats, US Department of Agriculture

Bringing Nature into Your Home

Have you ever brought a beautiful houseplant home, only to have it die a few months later, leaving you to wonder what went wrong?

Come to our talk on houseplants at the McClellan Ranch Demo Garden in Cupertino and bring your questions. We’ll cover the essentials of indoor plant care. Whether you are completely new to growing houseplants or looking to grow your knowledge, you’ll leave this talk better prepared to care for your plants.

Photo credit: Canva

What Do Daffodils & Garlic Have in Common?

They are both true bulbs, which means that unlike seeds, they contain a short stem, modified leaves, and a bud. This allows them to grow more rapidly than a seed. Plant both garlic and daffodil bulbs in late October to November since they require some chill hours to break their dormancy. Make sure that the soil is well amended with organic material. Choose a sunny spot for garlic and full sun to part shade for daffodils. You can also grow either in containers. Plant garlic 1–2 inches deep and daffodils 4–6 inches deep. If our winter rains are not sufficient, be sure to keep them watered.

Photo credit: Canva

University of California Master Gardener volunteers promote sustainable gardening practices and provide research-based horticultural information to home gardeners. Visit our website for more information including:

• More Monthly Tips
• A complete list of Upcoming Events and Classes
• Extensive Garden Help
• Videos of garden tips and past online presentations

Have a gardening question? Ask us. We’re here to help!