UC Master Gardeners of Orange County

09/04/2026

September 4 - It's National Wildlife Day!

Did you know your backyard in Southern California could be a wildlife habitat for more than 170 species of butterflies alone, plus native bees, hummingbirds, and songbirds that are always on the lookout for food and shelter.

California is home to over 6,000 native plant species — and swapping even a small patch of lawn for natives is one of the easiest ways to feed and shelter the birds, bees, butterflies, and other critters that share our neighborhoods.

According to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), native plants: Provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for local wildlife, need less water once established (hello, drought tolerance), require little to no pesticides or fertilizer, and support the pollinators our ecosystems depend on.

You don't need acres of land to make a difference — even a few pots of native plants on a patio can become a pit stop for a hungry hummingbird or a monarch on its migration.

This , take one small step... Look up what's native to your area. Plant something that feeds a pollinator. Snap a photo of the wildlife you spot and tag us! Curious where to start? UC Master Gardeners of Orange County have free, science-based guides on choosing the right native plants to support our wildlife population.





Credit: Canva
Description: The sun rises over a lake surrounded by the forest on one side and grasses on the other, while morning mist rises off the water. UC Master Gardeners of Orange County celebrate National Wildlife Day. UC Master Gardeners logo is at the bottom.

09/02/2026

Have you picked up your free compost or mulch yet? Visit OClandfills.com/compost to schedule your appointment and give your garden a sustainable boost. 🌼

Our team is hard at work turning your residential curbside green waste into compost and mulch that benefits our community! 🌱♻️

Have you picked up your free compost or mulch yet? Visit OClandfills.com/compost to schedule your appointment and give your garden a sustainable boost. 🌼

09/02/2026

In The Garden Radio Show presented by UC Master Gardeners of Orange County
This Month In the Garden - September
Thursday, September3, 8:30 to 9:30am
KUCI Radio 88.9 FM or Live Stream

It's time for another installment of our monthly Orange County This Month In the Garden ~ September 2026

Despite the likelihood of continued heat out, there's work to be done — starting with cleaning up the garden. Out with the old! Start or contribute material to your compost bin, and begin prepping for the transition to cool-season color and crops, as well as fire season danger potential. Also, start looking for bulbs now for planting in October. Dethatch your lawn, or start making plans for removing it altogether in exchange for drought-tolerant plantings. That kind of project takes more than just plant material — irrigation is a huge part of any lawn-removal plan.

Next month, we'll be saying "in with the new," since it'll be a better time to plant! UC Master Gardeners Teena and Katrina are at their best discussing what to do in the garden each month — tune in!

For those outside of the FM broadcast boundaries, we invite you to find our station website and listen live at KUCI 88.9 FM – Irvine, Orange County Public Radio (https://kuci.org/). After the broadcast, the show will be made available on our podcast sites on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Search 'In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners' and never miss an episode.




photo: StockSnap via Pixabay
description: Close up of radio station microphone, nondescript blurred blue and gold background.

09/01/2026

The heat is hanging on but fall gardening season has officially begun! Here's what UC Master Gardeners in Orange County want you to know...

• Roses are having a moment — September is when many roses, especially here in
Southern California, experience a "second spring" — if you continue deadheading,
expect fresh growth and buds building toward a gorgeous October–November bloom.

• Start your cool-season veggie garden — As summer crops wrap up, it's time to clear
beds, work in compost, and sow cool-season favorites like carrots, chard, peas, beets, and radishes. Get transplants of broccoli, cabbage, leeks, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and kale in the ground now for a winter harvest.

• Bulb shopping starts now — Daffodils, crocus, freesia, anemones, Dutch iris, and
ranunculus are showing up at nurseries — get them now for a colorful spring display.

• Sweet pea season — Start planting sweet peas in late September, then keep sowing
weekly through October for a steady stream of blooms all winter and spring.

• Don't expect cooler days just yet — September can still bring plenty of heat even as
daylight shortens, so keep a close eye on your garden's water needs, especially during
heat waves.

• Native plant lovers, take note — Fall is the ideal time to plant natives, giving their roots plenty of time to establish before winter rains and spring growth.

Get those beds ready — SoCal's second growing season is here!





credit: Canva
description: A woman kneels in the garden planting roses and watering them with a watering can.

08/30/2026

Join the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County this week and let's start planning our fall and winter crops. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you'll leave with the knowledge to make this your most productive season.

We will also be in Huntington Beach volunteering on the Monarch Nature Trail. Volunteer tasks for all ages include watering, seed collection, mulching, weeding, and a variety of other activities. Youth can participate in a 'hands-on' nature activity. Wear tennis shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water. No restrooms as this is a Nature Trail. No need to register! Free & Open to all.

Grow It Now: Cool Season Vegetables
September 3, 1:00 to 2:00pm
Norman P. Murray Center
24932 Veteran's Way, Mission Viejo, CA
No registration required

Grow It Now: Cool Season Vegetables
September 4, 10:00 to 11:00am
Zoom Encore Presentation
Registration for Zoom link: https://missionviejo.perfectmind.com/22969/Reports/BookMe4LandingPages/CoursesLandingPage?widgetId=c3a6893b-76f5-4d6b-b413-c0cd896b9486&redirectedFromEmbededMode=True&courseId=991414a5-bc6d-4af3-817a-0ea0e482d4a3

Monarch Nature Trail
Saturday, September 5th, 9:00 to 11:00am
5302 Rancho Rd, Huntington Beach, CA
No registration required





photos: UC Regents

08/30/2026

Sharing this for those especially affected by fires.

08/29/2026

August 29 is More Herbs, Less Salt Day!

Most of us eat way more sodium than we realize — it hides in packaged foods, restaurant meals, and yes, that heavy hand on the saltshaker at home. The good news? The fix is simple, and you just may want to grow your own!

Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and dill bring big, bold flavor (plus color and nutrients) to your plate without adding a single grain of sodium. Swapping herbs and spices for salt is one of the easiest ways to cut back on sodium while keeping your meals full of flavor.

Cutting sodium isn't about giving up taste — it's about finding it somewhere new. A little fresh rosemary or a handful of chopped basil can completely transform a dish, and your body will thank you for it.

Try pairing these today...
• Basil + tomatoes, pasta, or fresh mozzarella
• Dill + fish, potatoes, or salads
• Rosemary + chicken, lamb, or roasted potatoes
• Thyme + soups, beans, or roasted veggies
• Cilantro + rice, salsas, or grilled meats

Bonus: most of these herbs are easy to grow at home, even in a small pot by a sunny window — so you'll always have fresh flavor on hand whenever you need it.

So today, put down the saltshaker, pick up some fresh herbs, and let your taste buds discover what they've been missing.





credit: Canva
description: A sprig of rosemary and a bowl full of rock salt state, More Herbs, Less Salt. Fresh herbs and spices are on a cutting board next to a cast iron skillet.

08/27/2026

It's Wellness Month — and the easiest way to celebrate? Just step outside.

Here are a few simple ways...

• Morning walk – even 10 minutes outside before coffee can reset your whole day
• Take lunch al fresco – a park bench beats your desk every time
• Move your body outside – walk, bike, hike, or just wander with no destination
• Stretch on the grass – trade the yoga mat for the great outdoors
• Golden hour reset – step out for sunset and let the day exhale
• Bring a friend (furry or otherwise) – accountability makes it stick

Wellness doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's just fresh air, sunlight, and a little time away from the screen.






credit: Canva

08/25/2026

In The Garden Radio Show with UC Master Gardeners of Orange County
Thursday, August 27, 8:30 to 9:30am
KUCI Radio 88.9FM or Live Stream

What does gardening have to do with the University of California? Quite a lot! This week radio show, the subject is “Rooted in Research: The UC Master Gardener Program.”

UC Master Gardener Bill Brooks talks with Randy Musser, Program Coordinator for the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County. They will share the many ways the University of California helps the public make informed decisions about gardening, agriculture, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.

The program highlights the work of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), the University of California Cooperative Extension, and the UC Master Gardener Program. Listeners will learn how UC research is translated into practical, research-based information that can be used by gardeners, homeowners, schools, and communities throughout California.

Musser also discusses what UC Master Gardeners do, how the program serves the public through workshops and educational outreach, and what it takes to become a UC Master Gardener. Perfect timing as a new volunteer training class is just around the corner!

Can't tune into the live show? No problem, all shows are uploaded to our Podcast 'In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners' on Apple & Spotify. Don't miss this special episode!





photo: StockSnap via Pixabay
description: Close up of radio station microphone, nondescript blurred blue and gold background

08/24/2026

🥵 This just may be the hottest week of the summer so far! Before you head outside — a quick reminder from your UC Master Gardeners.

Hydrate often (aim for a quart of water/hour if you're working outdoors)
Garden early or late if you must, otherwise wait for cooler days
Hat + light clothing + shade breaks

The weeds can wait. Take care of yourselves out there, OC!





credit: Canva
description: Two big yellow umbrellas under a blue summer sky. UC Master Gardeners of Orange County. Summer We're heating up this week, please remember to hydrate regularly!