Homegrown fruit in spotlight at this sweet event
Here’s a sweet idea for Valentine’s Day morning: Learn more about fruit.
In fact, it’s an opportunity to pick up some of the latest and most comprehensive information on growing your own deciduous fruit and nuts from the folks who wrote the book on this topic (literally).
Where? At Open Garden Day, hosted by the UC Master Gardeners of Sacramento County at their Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Fair Oaks Park.
On Saturday morning, Feb. 14, the master gardeners will present their monthly Open Garden Day, with an emphasis this month on fruit. To answer questions on all sorts of gardening, these experts will be available on site from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Admission and parking are free; no advance registration necessary.
This month’s Open Garden Day will be a celebration of the newly published second edition of “The Home Orchard: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees,” an invaluable UC garden resource. Copies will be on sale for $40.
Mini talks during the morning will cover blueberry pruning (starting at 9:45 a.m.); pruning of ornamental grasses (10:15); and, starting at 10:45, a fruit tree planting demonstration and a talk focused on keeping fruit trees small, a key point in “The Home Orchard.” The FOHC orchard is a living example of how to keep fruit trees a manageable size while maximizing harvest.
It’s also not too late to pick up a copy of the master gardeners’ 2026 Gardening Guide and Calendar – tailored for Sacramento area gardeners – for only $12.
Got questions – or pest issues? Bring samples of your problem plants, bagged insects, photos and questions to the “Ask the Master Gardeners” information table.
This is an opportunity to get one-on-one advice based on the most recent research-based sustainable practices. Your garden will love you for it.
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is located at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks.
Details and directions: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-sacramento-county
Register for special workshops
Also, it’s not too late to sign up for two February special events, offered by the Sacramento County master gardeners at the UCCE Office Auditorium, 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, “Do a Face Plant!” – not a pratfall but a crafty indoor gardening class – with the help of the master gardeners.
“Decorate a terra cotta pot to look like a face behind sunglasses,” explain the master gardeners. “All supplies and plants are included. House plant care will also be covered.”
This class is open to gardeners age 10 and up. Fee is $32 including all materials and plants. Deadline to register: Sunday, Feb. 15.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, learn all about “Worm Composting.” This two-hour course will set you and your eager composters up for success.
“Learn how with regular food and a comfortable home, red wigglers will turn kitchen waste into compost,” say the master gardeners. “This indoor class will include presentations on the care and feeding of worms, options for harvesting castings along with a Q & A to avoid any trouble.”
Each participant will take home: education materials, a worm bin with bedding, red wiggler worms and adoption papers.
Class fee is $40 and is open to wannabe worm tenders, age 13 and up; space is limited to 30 attendees.
Registration deadline: Feb. 23.
To register for either event, go to: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-sacramento-county
