Welcome!
2024 Gardening Guide and Calendar
It's HERE! Our 2024 edition is available now online (credit card), at one of our upcoming events (see the Calendar on the right) and at local retailers. For only $12 you can have a whole year of gardening advice. Learn more and buy. |
Open Garden
Wednesday, October 11, 9 AM - Noon Wander around the demonstration gardens, ask questions and get advice on water-efficient plants, cool season vegetables and much more. |
We are here for you!
Video library of gardening topics. Snap a pic of your problem plant or mystery bug and email it to the Help Desk: mgsacramento@ucanr.edu |
September Horticulture Center Updates
In the WEL
September is a lovely time in the water-efficient landscape gardens at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. For more favorites, please visit our plant list for Summer and Fall. |
In the orchard
Many of the mid-season apples are ripe this month - Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith. Also harvest Asian pears and figs! See more September orchard activities. Consider adding a fresh layer of mulch to fruit trees--it helps conserve water now and reduces weeds in winter. |
The vegetable garden
Grow garlic! Now is the time to plant for harvest in late spring next year. Melons may be at their peak this month, but when should they be harvested? Read about how to tell when melons are ready to harvest. |
The vineyard
September is the time to eat grapes and inspect plants for leaf problems. See what to do in September in your vineyard. |
Grow herbs!
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Time for Thyme. Whether you want a low compact plant or groundcover for your landscape or if you are more interested in culinary arts, there is a Thyme for you. |
Composting
Meet some of the bacteria at your service helping to decompose your compost pile at different times of year. Composting with worms? Harvest castings if they are dark and look like coffee grounds. |
Backyard berries
Check irrigation. Finish pruning cane berries by removing canes that fruited this year. Watch us prune Boysenberries at the Open Garden on September 8. See more tips for September. |
Pest Alerts!
Japanese beetle
This highly destructive insect has been confirmed in Sacramento County areas of Arden-Arcade and Rancho Cordova. Report suspected finds to the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner office or call the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Pest Hotline at 1 (800) 491-1899. Read more on the Japanese beetle from UC IPM. March, 2022 |
Asian citrus psyllid
The Asian citrus psyllid has been found in Sacramento causing a County-wide quarantine. The tiny insect damages citrus fruit but of more importance, it can transmit the deadly citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. For more: |
Brown marmorated stink bug
Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys) have invaded several areas in Sacramento County. |
Calendar

Contact us
The Office
4145 Branch Center Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916) 876-5338
E-mail:
mgsacramento@ucanr.edu
Telephone Help Desk:
Monday through Thursday
9 AM to Noon, 1 to 4 PM
Closed Fridays
Please call for walk-in
office hours.
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
