UCCE San Diego

Do you love gardening and helping your community?

Come discover what it takes to become a UC Master Gardener at our upcoming Public Interest Forum. Meet the team, learn about the training program, and find out how you can help bring science-based gardening information to San Diego residents.

August 27, 2026
San Diego County Operations Center

Reserve your spot today: Register for the event

https://bit.ly/4ws54PP

Looking for a fun way to spend time with your kids this summer? Head to the garden.

Digging in the soil, watering plants, searching for bugs and planting seeds are simple ways for children to explore nature, learn new skills and enjoy time outdoors.

Discover hands-on activities for young gardeners in UC ANR’s Garden Notes article, “Garden Activities to Do with Kids.” https://bit.ly/4zclXk9

Looking to grow your gardening knowledge? Join the UC Master Gardener Program of San Diego County for Ask-A-Master-Gardener, held on the second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the County Operations Center Demonstration Garden.

Bring your gardening and sustainability questions, connect with local experts, and enjoy seasonal harvests when available. The COC Demonstration Garden showcases edible landscaping, pollinator-friendly practices, water conservation, composting, and other sustainable gardening techniques.

Learn more and view upcoming dates: https://bit.ly/4i5kp5h

Calling all Southern California landholders! Want to discover the benefits of putting your land into agricultural production?

Join us this August for Cultivating Your Land’s Potential, a three-week web series designed to help property owners navigate the ins and outs of agricultural leasing. Whether you have open land or want to develop or improve relationships with tenants, this program is for you!

Series Sessions: On Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Zoom
August 12th | Leasing Land for Agriculture: Benefits, Considerations, and Pitfalls
August 19th | Doing the Groundwork: Understanding and Preparing Your Land for Leasing
August 26th | Finding the Right Farmer: How to Connect, Build Trust, and Negotiate Your Lease

Learn how to evaluate your property, understand what farmers are looking for, and build trusted relationships that can support your land.

Don’t wait. Secure your spot at bit.ly/cultivate-potential or scan the QR code on our flyer!

Learn how to keep your homegrown produce fresh, flavorful and safe at the Grow Your Garden Workshop: Preserving Your Harvest.

UC Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers Liz Woodward and Jodi Bay will share research-based tips for properly handling and storing your harvest.

August 8, 2026 | 10 a.m.–noon
Georgina Cole Library, Carlsbad
Garden swap: 10 a.m.–noon
Workshop: 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Learn about invasive w**d management from UC experts in this three-part webinar miniseries. Topics include invasive w**ds in Northern California, management of Ludwigia decurrens, and invasive annual grasses, mustards, perennial grasses, and stinknet in Southern California. Join us August 5, 12, and 19!

The series includes a presentation by Dr. Chris McDonald, UCCE Inland and Desert Natural Resources Advisor, on August 19. Registration is now open.

https://bit.ly/4q1QBc3

Today, August 3, is National Watermelon Day!

With its crisp texture and naturally sweet flavor, watermelon is a refreshing summer treat—and it is about 92% water. A two-cup serving contains approximately 80 calories and provides nutrients including vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium, magnesium and lycopene.

In these photos, UCCE specialists visit a California watermelon farm, where research and outreach help growers address production challenges and support healthy, productive crops.

Celebrate the day with a cool slice of watermelon and an appreciation for the growers and agricultural professionals who help bring this summertime favorite from the field to our tables.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has expanded the Huanglongbing (HLB) quarantine boundary in the Fallbrook and Rainbow areas of San Diego County and into Riverside County, effective July 29, 2026. The expansion also updates the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Bulk Citrus Regional Quarantine Zone 6 to match the new HLB boundary.

HLB is a serious citrus disease spread by the Asian citrus psyllid that threatens citrus trees statewide. Residents, growers and others within the expanded quarantine area should be aware of regulations regarding the movement of citrus plants and related materials.

View the updated quarantine maps:
• HLB: https://bit.ly/4vZCkhg
• ACP: https://bit.ly/3RN0366



Photo Credit: UC Regents

Join UCCE San Diego Plant Pathology Advisor Ana Maria Pastrana Leon and fellow UC experts for Ask the Advisor: Sanitation Practices for Nurseries and Greenhouses. Happening now.

July 29 | 10–11 a.m. PDT
Free Zoom webinar; registration required

Bring your nursery sanitation questions!

Register: https://bit.ly/4wt9PJH

Support local 4-H youth at the 2026 Ramona Junior Fair, now through August 2nd!

Since its debut in 1971, the Ramona Junior Fair has brought the community together to celebrate youth development, agricultural education, hard work and responsibility.

Be sure to visit the 4-H food booth for chicken bakes, nachos, corn dogs, Otter Pops, cold drinks and the famous ice cream sundaes topped with green sprinkles.

Proceeds from the booth help provide supplies for 4-H projects and scholarships for graduating members. Stop by, enjoy a fair favorite and support the next generation of local 4-H leaders!