UC Marin Master Gardeners

What's Happening In Your Garden?

OCTOBER

Severe drought conditions are still in play: the MMWD reserve is down to 34% and North Marin is at 28%. One might think of two planting options this winter, one where we get an average rain and one for a continuing drought. Even drought-resistant natives can use a little water.

Marin has a pickup for reclaimed water at the Civic Center in San Rafael but you will need a container. Do remember that water is over 8 pounds per gallon, and there is a minimum of 10 gallons. As always, mulch, as it builds the soil, helps the plants and reduces water loss.

October Plant & Garden Care List	Cover Crops
Drought and Wildlife	Edible Demo Garden: Tips for Transplanting Seedlings

OCTOBER

NEWS & UPDATES

October 30 is the LAST DAY to buy our sustainably-grown organic produce at the IVC Organic Farm & Garden Stand
Open Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm, till season's end. Visit the Edible Demo Garden while you're there! College of Marin Indian Valley Campus Organic Farm & Garden, 1800 Ignacio Blvd, Novato

Mandatory water use restrictions:
Find out what mandatory water restrictions are in place for your area:
- Southern Marin
- West Marin service area

Look out for possibility of erosion after fire safety clearance
Notice the great job the county and people are doing cleaning up areas to retard fires? However, with rain after drought, erosion can be severe especially after all the clearing being done for fire safety. Here is a guide to wattle installation. Native plants are also a great idea for future control of the slopes. If you're thinking about hillside plantings to control erosion, see our plant list but also make sure you are considering spacing them out for fire safety.

Advice to Grow By ... Ask Us!

SAVE YOUR PLANTS DURING DROUGHT

• How to keep plants alive during a drought
• Water saving tips
• Don't forget to mulch
• Basic irrigation
• Heat Stressed Plants

CONTINUE TO STAY VIGILANT FOR WILDFIRES

• Spend a weekend doing one of the September Fire-smart Landscaping Tips
• Check out our critical fire-smart steps
• Be prepared! Check out the FireSafe Marin website
• Learn how to harden your home
• Assemble your Grab and Go kit
• PG&E’s video on Seven steps to a more fire-resistant home

"Ask a Master Gardener..."

FEATURED THIS WEEK IN THE MARIN IJ:

Could the creature digging in your garden be a vole?

Determining who is responsible for digging up your garden plants is not always easy. Among the usual culprits to consider are gophers, moles, rats, raccoons, and voles...