Master Gardeners staff an information desk at the Novato UCCE office. They assist home gardeners by phone and in person with garden problems, pest sample diagnosis, successful growing techniques and resource referrals. The Master Gardener Desk is open Monday through Friday from 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM. The desk may be reached at (415) 499-4204. You may also bring your ailing or unidentified plant or mystery insect (safely containerized) into our office at 1682 Novato Blvd., Suite 150B, Novato 94947.
Here are some recently asked questions from our Master Gardener desk.
I'll be planting Spring blooming bulbs soon. Have you any specific information that would be helpful?
By planting a range of bulbs, both different species and various cultivars, it's possible to have flowers during the entire growing season. There are bulbs for both sun and shade. For best results, try to get bulbs in the ground as soon as you buy them or receive them by mail. Always inspect the bulbs carefully for signs of rot, fungus or mildew. They should be firm to the touch. Soil that is rich in organic material and well drained is ideal. If the soil is compacted, dig in organic material to a depth of 1 to 1-1/2 feet. The bulbs' roots come out at the bottom and should be planted in holes about 3 times as deep as their diameters. A top dressing of a balanced organic fertilizer can help produce healthy, vigorous plants.
Do you have information on building barn owl boxes?
Barn owls are natural predators of harmful insects. Erecting owl boxes can reduce the need for harmful pesticides and rodenticides by helping to conserve the habitat of these natural predators. For information on Barn owls and plans for building boxes, please refer to the following: Audobon Society audubon.org The Hungry Owl Project Alex Godbe, Program Director 415-454-4587 alexgodbe@aol.com