In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners

Orange County
  • 5.0 (7)
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An informative garden podcast and weekly radio show on 88.9 FM KUCI Irvine, California, hosted by University of California Master Gardeners of Orange County, California.  Podcasts cover home horticulture, pest management and sustainable landscape practices.  Listen to researched based information on all things gardening.  "In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners" airs Thursday mornings on 88.9 FM KUCI from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.  

  1. 3d ago

    The Fire Hardened Garden: Wildfire-Ready Landscapes and Defensible Space

    Send us Fan Mail Fire! Wildfire season is not a “season” anymore in California. Simple brush fires can quickly become structure fires consuming your most precious possessions in the blink of an eye. This week on “In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners”, Master Gardener Darrin Vallone brings you a most timely show on what you can do to make your home and property fire safe! Darrin sat down with Nathan Babbitt, Senior Fire Prevention Specialist with the Orange County Fire Authority Wildfire Mitigation Unit, to discuss keeping the exterior and landscaping of your home fire safe. If you live in fire-prone sections of Orange County, California, or other parts of the world, learn just how vulnerable you really are and what you can, and in some cases MUST, do to reduce risk. Learn the 4-Rs and the 6-Ps and all the resources to review beyond this program. Be safe!

    The Fire Hardened Garden: Wildfire-Ready Landscapes and Defensible Space

  2. Oct 17

    California Native Plants: Bringing California Back to Life

    Send us Fan Mail Discover the beauty, benefits, and importance of California native plants in the latest episode of In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners, titled “California Native Plants: Bringing California Back to Life.” Master Gardener host Bill Brooks interviews Wyatt McLean of Channel Islands Restoration’s Native Plant Nursery in Santa Barbara, California, to explore how native plants can help restore natural landscapes, support wildlife, and protect the environment.  What exactly is a native plant, and why does it matter? In this informative episode, listeners learn what distinguishes native plants from introduced species, how to propagate native plants, and how to plant them successfully. The discussion highlights the importance of selecting plants suited to local conditions and understanding the role native vegetation plays in healthy, resilient ecosystems.  Although the conversation focuses on California, the lessons apply to gardeners everywhere. Native plants are adapted to the environmental conditions of their home regions and can provide essential habitat and food for local wildlife, including pollinators and birds. By incorporating native plants into home gardens and community landscapes, gardeners can help conserve biodiversity, support local ecosystems, and contribute to environmental restoration.  McLean also discusses the important work of Channel Islands Restoration, an organization dedicated to restoring native habitats on California’s Channel Islands and the mainland. Discover how native plants can transform landscapes, restore habitats, and help bring nature back to life in California and beyond.

    California Native Plants: Bringing California Back to Life

  3. Oct 16

    Bountiful Blueberries

    Send us Fan Mail Antioxidants - it’s a term so widely tagged to so many foods lately.  We’re discussing just about the best plant to grow in your garden for antioxidants on “In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners”.  This show is all about Blueberries.  UC Orange County Master Gardener David Letourneau talked with Ramiro Lobo, a University of California Small Farms & Agricultural Economics Advisor in San Diego County.  Southern Highbush Blueberries grow extremely well around here!  Learn what varieties grow best and how to care for them in terms of pruning, feeding and pest control.  What applies in Southern California is useful in other regions of the world, too.  Here’s one tip:  reddish leaves in spring could indicate pH problems. In the fall, the color is expected!  Happy planting!

    Bountiful Blueberries

  4. Oct 8

    African Violets

    Send us Fan Mail Bring a splash of purple and pink (and several other colors) to your home with African violets! In this episode of In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners, we talk with African violet expert and competition show judge Leonard Re about the secrets to growing these beautiful, colorful indoor flowering plants. Learn how to choose healthy plants, select the right soil, use fertilizers effectively, master watering techniques, and propagate African violets to grow your collection. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, you’ll discover practical tips to keep your plants thriving and blooming. We’ll also explore African violet organizations, clubs, and other resources to help you connect with fellow enthusiasts and expand your knowledge. Listen and discover how to enjoy these charming blooms all year long!

    African Violets

  5. Oct 1

    October In the Garden

    Send us Fan Mail Summer is over now yet it seems the heat will never end here in Southern California!  This week on “In The Garden with UC Master Gardeners”, Teena and Katrina get you out in the garden to start the tasks that you have been planning since last month’s episode.  Three basic tasks for the month are first, finish cleaning up. Next, do what it takes to get your soil in good shape.  If new to gardening, testing the soil for any deficiencies is a great way to set a foundation for future years of great gardening.  Add amendments and fertilizers according to what you intend to plant.  And lastly, start planting those varieties you’ve been thinking about all September long.  Cool season veggies thrive in the southwest.  This is the time in most climate zones to plant winter flowers,  spring bulbs, natives, and wildflowers. You’ll learn a bit about Climate Zones, too.  Here’s a harvest tip:  Pick your produce in the morning!

    October In the Garden

  6. Sep 25

    Fall Planted Bulbs for a Spring Bloom

    Send us Fan Mail This week on In The Garden with UC Master Gardeners, Master Gardener Marilyn Johnson talks to Master Gardener Teena Spindler about her self-professed early LOVE of Bulbs!  We are talking about Fall-Planted Bulbs for Spring Bloom!  The word “Bulb” is the most common term for a plant that has an underground or near underground storage organ or structure.  Corms, rhizomes, tubers, and tuberous roots are other types of under soil organs that generate some of your favorite flowers.  September through November is the time to obtain and plant those spring-bloomers like Dutch Iris, Daffodils, and Freesia as they are the easiest bulb choices to start your bulb adventure!  But be aware of those that like chill such as Tulips and Crocus.  In parts of the world that have mild winters, gardeners need to provide the chill.  Learn about care, tips, and fertilizing, too.

    Fall Planted Bulbs for a Spring Bloom

  7. Sep 24

    Fruit in Small Spaces

    Send us Fan Mail Think you don’t have enough room to grow your own fruit? Think again! In this episode of In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners on 88.9 FM KUCI, Master Gardener Mark Oertel interviews John McNeill of the Orange County Chapter of the Rare Fruit Growers.  John, who has lived around the world, has transformed his own yard from a tropical garden into an impressive collection of fruit trees growing in containers. His favorite container is the half-wine barrel—and he can grow two or even three fruit trees in a single barrel!  John explains why growing fruit in containers can be an easy and practical option for gardeners with limited space. Container-grown trees can be moved, managed and maintained more easily, and there’s an added safety benefit: many fruit trees can be kept at a manageable height, reducing the need to climb a ladder to harvest your fruit.  If you have a small yard, patio, balcony or just want to try growing something different, discover how you can enjoy fresh homegrown fruit—even when space is limited!

    Fruit in Small Spaces

  8. Sep 17

    Southern California Winter Garden

    Send us Fan Mail  Master Gardener host Mark Oertel talks with Leah Beattie of Laguna Hills Nursery about all the exciting vegetable garden varieties available for cool season gardens in this edition of “In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners”.  Leah grew up in the nursery business and has many heartwarming stories.   Learn about general garden favorites like onions, garlic, radishes, cole crops, strawberries, passion fruit just to name a few.  October is the month to begin a cool season vegetable garden in places like coastal California and in the southern states - basically in USDA zones 9-11.  In regions of the world with colder weather, cool season vegetables can be planted in the spring or summer. No doubt wherever you live, there are new, exciting cool season vegetable varieties on the market to enjoy.  Get inspired!

    Southern California Winter Garden
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

An informative garden podcast and weekly radio show on 88.9 FM KUCI Irvine, California, hosted by University of California Master Gardeners of Orange County, California.  Podcasts cover home horticulture, pest management and sustainable landscape practices.  Listen to researched based information on all things gardening.  "In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners" airs Thursday mornings on 88.9 FM KUCI from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.  

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