UC Master Gardeners of Napa County

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UC Master Gardeners of Napa County Master Gardeners are available to help you with your gardening questions. You can telephone, visit

Water-Wise Plant Show!Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 pmSenior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., NapaManzanita RoomLocal land...
10/09/2026

Water-Wise Plant Show!
Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson St., Napa
Manzanita Room

Local landscape experts will demonstrate that drought-tolerant can be colorful and vibrant! A beautiful selection of tree, shrub, perennial, grass, vine, and ground cover species will be thoroughly reviewed by Maureen Clark of Bright Garden Designs.

Dozens of plants will be on hand for viewing and the California Native Plant Society Napa Valley Chapter will be spotlighted. Landscape architect Lori Cagwin will show off local water-wise projects from design to installation and establishment, including some with rain garden areas that reduce stormwater runoff while conserving drinking water and creating wildlife habitat.

Big 2026 enhancements to the Cash for Grass Turf Removal Rebate Program will be explained.

Can you use informed partners in making your yard water wise? We work with the City of Napa to provide you with valuable...
10/07/2026

Can you use informed partners in making your yard water wise? We work with the City of Napa to provide you with valuable information to help you make good decisions.
Join us tonight, Wednesday, October 7th, 6:30 - 8:30 at the Senior Center. Get information and register for this important workshop at

https://www.cityofnapa.org/588/Water-Wise-Landscaping-Workshops

Compost: Start Small, Start Simple!Valerie Sarabalis-Cole, UC Master Gardener of Napa It’s the end of the summer growin...
09/27/2026

Compost: Start Small, Start Simple!

Valerie Sarabalis-Cole, UC Master Gardener of Napa

It’s the end of the summer growing season and the once prolific zucchini, bush beans, basil, summer squash and even tomatoes in my raised garden beds are succumbing to their natural life cycles. In a few beds, the plants did not produce as expected and have completely died off, while other beds still have tomatoes hanging on to some weary vines. As sad as that sounds, autumn is a welcome period of rest and preparation for planting cool-season vegetables.

One of the most important concepts that I have come to understand as a Master Gardener is that healthy soil is critical to a successful garden harvest. Right behind it in importance are providing the right location and irrigation. With those lessons in mind, I am adding organic material to my soil this fall to prepare it for winter and spring crops.

In the past, I didn’t realize that leaving the garden beds dormant all winter was a missed opportunity to improve my soil. I simply pulled out the dead and spent plant materials and waved goodbye until February. I also sentenced myself to hours upon hours of w**ding in the spring.

For two seasons I thought I was outsmarting the w**d spirits by covering my beds with a layer of cardboard (a key step in so-called “lasagna composting”). It was satisfying to pull up the cardboard and have w**d-free garden beds. However, my soil was tired, compacted and nutrient deficient. So off I went to the nursery for bags of compost and organic nutrients. There’s a better way.

While I have not committed to setting up a compost bin or starting a hot compost pile in my yard, I realized that I can easily sign on to a slower method of composting in my beds. This method is low effort, and it makes use of free yard waste, such as grass clippings and autumn leaves.

I don’t have much in the way of grass clippings as my lawn is small. But my neighbors have a nice section of healthy grass, and I have gladly accepted a few wheelbarrows of clippings from them to add to my beds. I also have a variety of trees that are starting to lose their leaves, so I can rake those up and add them to the mix. I’m using smaller leaves that have already dried so they will break down more easily.

I am also adding shredded paper, a few coffee grounds and a small amount of shredded plain cardboard. Essentially, I am mixing brown and green organic materials that, when they decompose, will return carbon and nitrogen to the soil.
Adding these carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials to the soil (about 3 parts brown material to 1 part green) is called cold composting. Compared to hot composting, which requires turning the pile often, it is a passive process.

The organic material decomposes at its own pace and eventually becomes a natural fertilizer and soil amendment. Cold composting is slow—it can take three to six months for materials to decompose—but I’m not planning to plant in half the beds right away, and the soil will be healthier by spring. Additionally, those organic materials will insulate the soil this winter so worms will be more active and will aerate my soil.

In the spring I will add fresh compost (anywhere from a half inch to 3 inches is recommended) and gently incorporate it into the top 4 inches of soil in the bed. The Napa Recycling & Composting Facility in American Canyon sells an organic compost that you can purchase by the cubic yard or in smaller amounts for a reasonable price.

In the beds where I plan to grow winter vegetables, I will spread one-half inch to 3 inches of compost before planting this fall. Adding compost now will improve the tilth, or texture, of the soil and encourage the microbial activity that characterizes healthy, living soil. Among the cool-weather vegetables that I had success with last year and will plant again this fall are garlic, onions, leeks, peas and beans. I plan to give carrots and broccoli a shot this year as well.

If you have a large area that you don’t intend to plant until spring, consider sowing a cover crop such as vetch, legumes or clover. These crops increase the organic matter in the soil and help minimize erosion. They also help reduce w**ds. In spring, you dig the cover crop into the soil and let it compost in place, a sort of “green manure.” You can see winter cover cropping in vineyards around Napa Valley. Find more information on cover cropping here.

I encourage my fellow raised-bed and container gardeners to spend a little time this fall amending the soil so you, too, can start spring planting with richer, healthier soil. Don’t leave that soil bare and neglected. You might be surprised at how much healthier and more productive your plants are next spring.

Library Talk: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County and Napa Public Library for a Library Talk on “Carnivorous Plants, Eek!” on Thursday, October 1, via Zoom. Enjoy a delicious look at the amazing world of carnivorous plants, focusing on how and why these beautiful hunters catch their meals. We’ll dive into the coolest species and what makes them unique. Register to receive the Zoom link.

Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your garden questions. Use our online Plant Problem Help Form or email us at [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the problem. You can also visit us in person on Mondays and Fridays from 10 am until 1 pm at the University of California Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 4, Napa.

Have You Heard About Our Fall Faire?!By Melanie Marshall, UC Master Gardener of Napa CountyThe kids are back at school,...
09/22/2026

Have You Heard About Our Fall Faire?!

By Melanie Marshall, UC Master Gardener of Napa County

The kids are back at school, leaves are changing color, and the last of the summer crops is harvested. The end of summer does not mean the end of family-friendly fun. Join the Napa County Master Gardeners for the Fall Faire on Saturday, September 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at 1710 Soscol Avenue in Napa, where hands-on activities, demonstrations and community connections will sow the seeds of gardening knowledge.

The Napa County Master Gardener Fall Faire has been an annual tradition since 2017, when it began as a venue to bring the science of gardening to home gardeners in one fun-filled learning experience. This year’s Faire is made possible by collaborating with our community partners, including Napa RCD, Napa Water Conservation, California Native Plant Society, Napa County Beekeepers Association, Napa Valley Bonsai Club, Our Water Our World, Napa Park Rangers, Friends of Napa Library, Napa Valley Orchid Society, City of Napa Recycling, Napa Sanitation District, Napa River Ecology Center, Napa Climate NOW and Napa Seed Library. Be sure to visit their booths at the Fall Faire, too.

When you arrive, stop by the information desk for general questions, a site map and a children’s event passport. Children can have their passports stamped at each booth to earn a reward at the end of their knowledge-seeking journey. Enjoy bluegrass music from The Big Ranch Rounders and grab a bite at Amy’s Lunchbox Food Truck.

The Fall Faire offers family activities for children and adults, including face painting and a children’s play area. Kids can explore gardening through hands-on activities such as growing a rainbow of vegetables and tasting some along the way. Also visit the Zinnia Garland Station to have a garland made and learn how zinnias grow.

Booths will provide information and inspiration for gardeners of all ages and experience levels.
At the soil booth, learn how healthy soil retains water, reduces runoff and erosion and combats climate change by storing carbon. Then stop by the composting booth to learn about different methods of composting.

Bring your rose questions to the booth showcasing the Fuller Park Rose Garden and learn more about growing roses. Stop by the Master Gardeners’ Las Flores Learning Garden booth for advice about growing succulents and grab a free clipping.

Did you know bulbs are drought tolerant? At the Faire, you can learn more about growing bulbs and sign up for the bulb and rhizome giveaway. Do you love lavender? Head for the lavender booth where you’ll find information about growing this aromatic perennial.

Visit the pollinator booth and learn which plants attract these essential garden helpers. Also stop by the Backyard Birds Booth and learn more about the winged visitors in your garden.

At the propagation booth, support the Master Gardeners’ educational programs by purchasing Master Gardener-grown pollinator plants, including salvias, coyote mint, penstemon and heart-leaf geranium. The plant sale also includes many ornamentals plants and cool-weather vegetable seedlings, with care instructions included. A more comprehensive plant list is available at napamg.ucanr.edu.

Test your knowledge at the Good Bugs Versus Bad Bugs booth. Learn how to recognize invasive plant species and then visit the California Native Plant Society booth to learn about the plants that are best adapted to our area. At the Botany booth, use a microscope to see how plants grow and reproduce.

At the Dehydrating Summer’s Bounty booth, learn to preserve summer vegetables, then test your seed knowledge by sorting warm- and cool-weather crop packets into their categories.

If your garden tools are rusty and you want to revitalize them, visit the Sheer Delight booth for a repair and sharpening demonstration. Then stop by the Firewise and Resilient Landscaping booth to get ideas for landscaping in our fire-prone region.

Whatever piques your curiosity, the Master Gardener Fall Faire has a booth for you. Before you leave, take a look at the Master Gardener-made scarecrows and vote for your favorite.

Audrey, the talking Venus Flytrap, will also be present and it’s always worth hearing what she has to say. Audrey may even be seeking donations to help purchase organic compost and soil for her growing pot. At the Carnivorous Plants booth, get care and feeding tips.

The Fall Faire is where carnival meets science, a place for families to learn, explore and enjoy the natural world. Don’t miss out!

Fall Faire: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County on Saturday, September 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm, for the annual Fall Faire, an engaging afternoon featuring fun and informational booths staffed by Master Gardeners and community partners. Hands-on demonstrations and talks range from improving your soil health to designing a pollinator-friendly garden, along with plenty of friendly gardening advice. Shop for ornamental plants and winter vegetables, with proceeds supporting Master Gardener programs. Enjoy food from Annie's Lunch Box food truck and live music from the Big Ranch Rounders. The event is free and no registration is necessary.

Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your garden questions. Use our online Plant Problem Help Form or email us at [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the problem. You can also visit us in person on Mondays and Fridays from 10 am until 1 pm at the University of California Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 4, Napa.

Have You Heard About Our Fall Faire?!By Melanie Marshall, UC Master Gardener of Napa CountyThe kids are back at school,...
09/22/2026

Have You Heard About Our Fall Faire?!

By Melanie Marshall, UC Master Gardener of Napa County

The kids are back at school, leaves are changing color, and the last of the summer crops is harvested. The end of summer does not mean the end of family-friendly fun. Join the Napa County Master Gardeners for the Fall Faire on Saturday, September 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at 1710 Soscol Avenue in Napa, where hands-on activities, demonstrations and community connections will sow the seeds of gardening knowledge.

The Napa County Master Gardener Fall Faire has been an annual tradition since 2017, when it began as a venue to bring the science of gardening to home gardeners in one fun-filled learning experience. This year’s Faire is made possible by collaborating with our community partners, including Napa RCD, Napa Water Conservation, California Native Plant Society, Napa County Beekeepers Association, Napa Valley Bonsai Club, Our Water Our World, Napa Park Rangers, Friends of Napa Library, Napa Valley Orchid Society, City of Napa Recycling, Napa Sanitation District, Napa River Ecology Center, Napa Climate NOW and Napa Seed Library. Be sure to visit their booths at the Fall Faire, too.

When you arrive, stop by the information desk for general questions, a site map and a children’s event passport. Children can have their passports stamped at each booth to earn a reward at the end of their knowledge-seeking journey. Enjoy bluegrass music from The Big Ranch Rounders and grab a bite at Amy’s Lunchbox Food Truck.

The Fall Faire offers family activities for children and adults, including face painting and a children’s play area. Kids can explore gardening through hands-on activities such as growing a rainbow of vegetables and tasting some along the way. Also visit the Zinnia Garland Station to have a garland made and learn how zinnias grow.

Booths will provide information and inspiration for gardeners of all ages and experience levels.
At the soil booth, learn how healthy soil retains water, reduces runoff and erosion and combats climate change by storing carbon. Then stop by the composting booth to learn about different methods of composting.

Bring your rose questions to the booth showcasing the Fuller Park Rose Garden and learn more about growing roses. Stop by the Master Gardeners’ Las Flores Learning Garden booth for advice about growing succulents and grab a free clipping.

Did you know bulbs are drought tolerant? At the Faire, you can learn more about growing bulbs and sign up for the bulb and rhizome giveaway. Do you love lavender? Head for the lavender booth where you’ll find information about growing this aromatic perennial.

Visit the pollinator booth and learn which plants attract these essential garden helpers. Also stop by the Backyard Birds Booth and learn more about the winged visitors in your garden.

At the propagation booth, support the Master Gardeners’ educational programs by purchasing Master Gardener-grown pollinator plants, including salvias, coyote mint, penstemon and heart-leaf geranium. The plant sale also includes many ornamentals plants and cool-weather vegetable seedlings, with care instructions included. A more comprehensive plant list is available at napamg.ucanr.edu.

Test your knowledge at the Good Bugs Versus Bad Bugs booth. Learn how to recognize invasive plant species and then visit the California Native Plant Society booth to learn about the plants that are best adapted to our area. At the Botany booth, use a microscope to see how plants grow and reproduce.

At the Dehydrating Summer’s Bounty booth, learn to preserve summer vegetables, then test your seed knowledge by sorting warm- and cool-weather crop packets into their categories.

If your garden tools are rusty and you want to revitalize them, visit the Sheer Delight booth for a repair and sharpening demonstration. Then stop by the Firewise and Resilient Landscaping booth to get ideas for landscaping in our fire-prone region.

Whatever piques your curiosity, the Master Gardener Fall Faire has a booth for you. Before you leave, take a look at the Master Gardener-made scarecrows and vote for your favorite.

Audrey, the talking Venus Flytrap, will also be present and it’s always worth hearing what she has to say. Audrey may even be seeking donations to help purchase organic compost and soil for her growing pot. At the Carnivorous Plants booth, get care and feeding tips.

The Fall Faire is where carnival meets science, a place for families to learn, explore and enjoy the natural world. Don’t miss out!

Fall Faire: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County on Saturday, September 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm, for the annual Fall Faire, an engaging afternoon featuring fun and informational booths staffed by Master Gardeners and community partners. Hands-on demonstrations and talks range from improving your soil health to designing a pollinator-friendly garden, along with plenty of friendly gardening advice. Shop for ornamental plants and winter vegetables, with proceeds supporting Master Gardener programs. Enjoy food from Annie's Lunch Box food truck and tlive music from the Big Ranch Rounders. The event is free and no registration is necessary.

Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your garden questions. Use our online Plant Problem Help Form or email us at [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the problem. You can also visit us in person on Mondays and Fridays from 10 am until 1 pm at the University of California Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 4, Napa.

Address

1710 Soscol Avenue, Ste 4
Napa, CA
94559

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
Friday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+17072534143

Website

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