top of page

Previous Meetings

September 2024

Pest Management

Julie Barbour from "Our Water Our World" was a fun and informative speaker who shared so much information we may consider having her return for a following session! Topics covered pesticides, fertilizers, and proper watering techniques.

Sources for more information:
www.edu.uc.gov.ca
www.OurWaterOurWorld.org
www.earth911.com
University of California Integrated Pest Management Site www.ipm.ucanr.edu

Pesticides are still getting into our water, even through water treatment - via rain water runoff and taps 7 toilets. It's up to us to Reduce our use as much as possible. Many pesticides say they focus on 1 pest, but in fact can kill multiple 'innocent bystander' bugs. 90% of insects are beneficial; only 2% have potential to be bad, and they typically only last 2 weeks during their "pesky" season. Pesticides typically don't work on adult insects - they work on eggs or larvae.

2 kinds of fertilizers: (synthetic and organic)
Each has levels of Nitrogen (N) helps with leaf and stem growth - makes it green and can move to where it's needed; Phosphorus (P) helps with roost, flowers, seed & fruit development; and Potassium (K) helps with strong stem growth, water movement, flowering and fruiting. If your Nitrogen is high you'll get lots of leaf growth, weak stems and little flowers or fruit. Organic fertilizers typically have a more balanced NPK ratio.


Struggling plants are susceptible to disease and cannot stand up to pest infestation. If your plant isn't doing well, (1) check the irrigation (2) is it getting too much fertilizer and (3) is it in the proper place (soil, sun etc)
Irrigation test: Water deeply for 5 minutes using an emitter or soaker hose, let water percolate for 10 minutes; test to see how far down the water reached. Example: water reached 2" down in soil - how many increments of 5 minutes would it take to reach to 1" below the bottom of the plant. i.e. plant is 12" deep - it takes 35 minutes for water to reach one inch below plant (12" / 2" + 1"). If you don't let the water reach that depth the plant's roots will not grow deep and perhaps die. After approximately 6 months move the emitters or soaker hose out from the base of the plant to ensure roots along the drip line are receiving water. Place emitters 12" apart from each other. Multiple plants nearby, water to depth of deepest rooted plant.

Do not use DIY applications. i.e. dawn disperses oil, using on your leaves removes the protective oils on the plants' leaves.

Take away: manage your use of pesticides; read labels; let good bugs do their job; water properly; healthy plants can fight off pests.

August 2024

Master Gardeners Training Program presented by Club Members and graduates of the 2024 Master Garden Program

Our Panel of New and Long Time Master Gardener Club Members gave a wonderful and interesting presentation this month! Well done, ladies!!
In a very organized, methodical presentation each 2024 Master Gardener Program Graduate from from the University of California Cooperative Extension covered a different aspect of the MG training, responsibilities for continuing as a MG and programs they have opportunities to participate in. Their mentor, Mary Fry, was a key teacher in their success. We learned so much! Thank you!
Master Gardener Program's Mission:
“To extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California."
The program is open to gardeners of all levels of experience. Our panel stressed that they don't always have the answers to every question poised, but they now know the resources to find the answers. Questions to gardening dilemmas can be addressed to volunteers at the Ag Center: (209)-953-6112 . Also, check out the master gardener's blog for interesting information. Classes were taught by specialists with years of experience in various fields, including soil, sustainable landscaping, plant identification, and tree care - to name just a few. Master Gardeners can assist with research projects, participate in "Ag Venture" at the fair grounds, Farmer's Markets, Fairs, Festivals and Community Projects, host hands-on educational workshops, teach horticulture skills to youth and adults, attend monthly meetings where more information is disseminated, and belong to a MG book club or even an herb group! Last year they volunteered 446,237 hours!

The next class opening is 2026; application, orientation meeting, personal interview and background check May be required. Training is provided by University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources typically during the winter months. After training volunteer service hours are required as well as continuing education each year.

July 2024

Feng Shui Gardening

Carol Bone' gave an informative presentation on Feng Shui as relates to position of your home and your garden. We were first assigned mapping our home's front door on a sketch of East, West, North and South. A variety of plant colors were recommended in each quadrant, as well as placing a "mountain" feature at the back of the house, which "protects" our home - examples could be a tall hedge or tree or mounding your garden in the back. Remove clutter and open the area leading to your front door with a meandering path, incorporate water features and balance the plantings to the right of the front door.

Feng Shui encourages the use and balance of the five natural elements or forces: wood, fire, earth, metal and water

May 2024

Irises and Coleuses

Julie Morehouse, the owner of In Season Garden and Nursery in Stockton, was our excellent speaker this month. She taught us all about coleus and different irises, including Dutch iris, Japanese iris, Bearded iris, and the unusual walking iris.

Dutch Iris: plant the small bulb with point down about 2x the height of the bulb.

Bearded irises:
Are grown from rhizomes
After blooming (end of summer usually) cut the leaves off in a fan shape about 4-5 inches from rhizomes
When dividing break off soft parts, and plant with top half above the ground.
Divide where there is a leaf bud (the bump at the point)
Do not over water as they easily rot.
They need lots of sun in order to bloom.
Divide every few years to keep them blooming and healthy.
They don't need fertilizer but can use bone meal which is high in phosphorus.
If fertilize best is right before rain; be sure to water after

Walking Iris:
You can break off the tiny 'bulbs' that grown along the stem to propagate new rhizomes
Once in the ground the plants root and start a new plant; the large clumps May lay on the ground and
spread in every direction - walking along the ground.
You can sometimes get 10-12 buds on one plant
Pollinators and Beneficial wasps love this plant
Trim the stems at end of growing season.
Remove dead flowers to encourage propagation.
grows best in light to full shade and moist soil

Coleus:
House or outdoor plants
From the mint family, clue: square stems
Can get tall spiked flowers; pinch back to avoid leaves from stopping growing
They are annuals but may come back if doesn't freeze
Propagate from leaf stem; take bottom leaves off and put in water to cover the leaf nodes
they like shade, especially from afternoon sun
Low Water
Pinch head to keep compact
Diseases: white flies - low air circulation & too much water
Can use Neem oil with water & spray underneath of leaves

April 2024

History and Services of San Joaquin County Historical Museum @ Micke Grove Park

From the Miwok and Yokuts Indians to the development of modern agriculture to Charles Weber, founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area, history abounds in this jewel of a museum. As we listened to Director and historian, Phillip Merlo, we enjoyed the outdoor surroundings of the walled garden. Phillip expanded our spoke about the museum nestled on 18 acres with multiple exhibits and buildings displaying the rich history of San Joaquin County and the many educational experiences offered. Their emphasis is on the county's important contributions to agriculture and promoting community pride, continued learning and an appreciation of our regional history.

Become at member of this valuable resource and help it continue to keep our history front and center
https://sanjoaquinhistory.org/

March 2024

Camellias

Camellia Society President, Julie Vierra, and Vice President, LuAnn Lantsberger, were amazing speakers. They brought two 1-gallon camellias for members; had a beautiful PowerPoint presentation of Camellias in the Sacramento and San Joaquin region; labeled members' camellias with metal tags with their varietal name so they could label their shrubs at home; and Julie demonstrated pruning techniques. Camellias should be pruned after blooming and can take substantial pruning. Handouts covered all areas of care; "12 Months of Care"; caring for your new camellia; and copies of February and March's Camellia Times newsletter, full of information and local happenings.

Camellia Society meets 2-5 pm 4th Sunday of October-April See Web for more information

bottom of page