UC Master Gardeners Program of Kern County

From backyard gardens to community spaces, UC Master Gardeners are making a difference statewide.
Support our work during UC ANR —every gift counts!
⏰ TODAY, noon to noon
🔗 https://give.ucanr.edu/pages/uc-master-gardener-program

TODAY is UC ANR !
Pollinators, plants, and people all benefit from your support!
Donate to the UC Master Gardener Program today and help grow a more sustainable future!
Search for UC Master Gardeners of Kern County!
https://give.ucanr.edu/pages/uc-master-gardener-program

"Healthy gardens = healthier communities.
Your gift during UC ANR helps fund workshops, school gardens, and sustainable landscaping education across California.
Be part of the impact: https://give.ucanr.edu/pages/uc-master-gardener-program and look for Kern County UC Master Gardener Program

Love gardening? Love helping your community thrive?
Join us for UC ANR and support UC Master Gardener volunteers who bring trusted, science-based advice to Californians every day.
May 14–15 | Noon to Noon
give.ucanr.edu

🍀🪴🎋🍃We're starting a newsletter! 🍀🪴🎋🍃

Make sure to sign up via this link! [ https://mailchi.mp/fbed9a208e1f/sign-up-for-uc-master-gardeners-of-kern-county-newsletter]

We also have a Help Desk! Please check that out if you ever have any questions with your garden! Please visit the following link [ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf93QFmUrdF9Yk5WH3cZFdMUOcgBN3t-qhPcasT2L9I0OON3Q/viewform =]

Happy Nee Year!

From the UC Master Gardeners of Kern County, we wish you a Happy New Year! We hope your gardens will be abundant, prosperous and fertile in 2026!

We can't wait to share what's in store for the next year!

Happy Holidays!

UCCE Kern County office will be closed from December 23 - January 1st, in observance for the holidays and office curtailment.

UC Master Gardeners of Kern County wish you a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

See you in 2026!

❄Today is the Winter Solstice!❄

This marks the shortest day and the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. The earth's tilt is furthest from the sun today. Culturally and spiritually, today is the start where darkness begins to recede, bringing hope, renewal and the promise of light returning. This is a time where reflections are focused on cycles of death and rebirth, and nurturing one's inner light

This signifies the start of the winter season.

❄️❄️❄️WINTER IS UPON US! ❄️❄️❄️

But just because it is winter, doesn't mean you have to pause everything in your gardening journey. Winter is a great time to do some chores to prepare for Spring. ☃⛄

🍂Clearing Debris and Pruning. 🍂
A fundamental gardening chore for the winter is clearing the garden of debris. Debris can be dropped leaves, twigs, and other plant matter that can harbor pests and diseases. By removing these materials, it mitigates the spread of infections and creates a cleaner space. Pruning removes the dead, diseased, or damaged branches from trees, shrubs and other woody plants you might have at home.

🌿Mulching and Soil Preparation🌿
Mulching involves applying a layer of organic material like wood chips, straw, or compost to the soil surface, which protects the soil, regulating temperature, and conserves moisture. Mulching also suppresses w**d growth and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes! Soil preparation can involve adding compost or other organic material to increase soil structure. Tilling or turning the soil can help to aerate it and break up compacted areas.

🌸Planting Bulbs. 🌸
Did you know winter is a fantastic time to plant spring-flowering bulbs? Flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are a great place to start. Planting bulbs in the early winter allows them to form a robust root system.

☀️Planning for the Spring. 🌷
Take time time this winter to plan for the spring. Starting a garden journal can help track plant performance, record planting dates, and document pest and disease problems. Creating a planting plan for the year can help guarantee a fruitful growing season.

Winter is a very important time for garden maintenance. This sets the stage for a healthy and productive growing season.

Alt Text: 5 photo post. First photo has the words winter tips with yellow flowers blooming from the ground covered in leaves and the last frost. Second photo has leaves on the ground with the text clearing debris and pruning. Third photo has a person with their hands in the dirt with the text mulching and soil preparations. Fourth photo has a hand in the ground planting flower bulbs. Fifth photo has wooden garden tools with the text sharpen your garden tools.

🌺It's National Poinsettia Day! 🌺

Did you know that poinsettias are native to Mexico? They are part of the Euphorbia family. They are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). Poinsettias change color in response to shorter winter days. Poinsettia flowers are made up of the bracts, which look like petals and tiny yellow flowers in the center, called cyathia.

Here are some tips for your poinsettias!
- Poinsettias prefer a warm and humid environment with temperatures between 65 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid exposing plant to drafts, cold air, or heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and vents
- Keep the soil moist

You can even keep your poinsettias after the holidays with adequate care. and proper pruning.

We have a Help Desk! 😊

Introducing the Kern County, UC Master Gardener Help Desk! Your go-to place for gardening questions, plant troubleshooting and local resources. 🌼

You can send in photos through this form, however because this form has File Upload questions, respondents will be required to sign in. 🍀

Follow the link in the bio to get to our Help Desk. Thank you for your support! 🌿

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to us through our social media or by emailing us at [email protected] 🥔