Winter 2024

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by Laurinda Ochoa During our cold and wet winter season, many native birds and pollinators rely on plants to provide both food and shelter. Some easy-to-grow winter-blooming native plants that provide pollen, nectar, and shelter are Manzanita, Ceanothus, Toyon, and Silktassel.

by David George Do you have one or more native oak trees in your yard or would like to plant one? Our local oaks are magnificent and important trees to the Contra Costa ecosystem. They deserve to be treated with respect and care.

by Robin Mitchell Potatoes are a fun and easy crop to grow at home, with relatively few pests and diseases.

By Marilyn Saarni When winter rains arrive our anxiety about wildfire risk is soothed. Finally, we can leave the leaves on the ground to protect and nurture the soil.

by Robyn Barker Once the railroads connected the frozen northern plains of the United States to the southern states in the mid-1800s, oranges became a special treat for snowbound prairie dwellers.

by Monika Witte What impact does the solar radiation that lands on the earths surface have on plants? First, we all know that plants produce their own food using photosynthesis.

by Cynthia Engers We all enjoy herbs added to our foods, and if theyre not available in your winter garden, consider getting a head start on spring by growing them indoors on a windowsill.

by David George The Small Spaces Gardening column aims to provide tips and techniques for successfully growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables in a limited amount of space.