Debbie B., Renee S., and I attended the Master Gardeners of Fresno County class at Garden of the Sun last week. We learned a lot about how to create beautiful gardens, but also how to create functional gardens. I will post a few of the points that I feel will be of most interest.
1. The number one problem gardeners face is over- or under-watering.
2. Soil is the big deal in gardening. If you have clay or hardened soil, you can use containers, above-ground gardens, or you can work good soil or compost into your native soil.
3. Fresno is in Climate Zones 8 and 9. Look for plants that grow best in this area.
4. When using a planting mix, add to your container, then add water and stir. After soil is damp, plant your flowers, vegys, etc. Use a screen or something like this to cover your water holes.
5. Pests: use insecticidal soap for white flies. Spray aphids really hard with water; they will drop off and their suckers stay, but they die. The hot season will also kill aphids. Ants in fruit trees: use vaseline or Tangle Foot around the trunk.
6. Weeds: Use pre-emergent. This will not kill existing plants. Newspaper topped with compost keeps the sunlight out and will kill off the weeds. Do not use color or glossy print paper.
7. Cayenne pepper around gardens will keep cats away.
Huge Tip: Gallo Winery, corner of Olive and Clovis, sells compost year-round at a very low cost. 1,200 pounds will fill a regular pick-up truck and sells for only $14.00. You can bring a smaller pick-up and obtain a half-load. Simply follow the signs to the "Green Facility", park, walk to the "small window", purchase a ticket, and personnel will show you where to pick up your compost. Phone: 458-2565
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