UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County

09/24/2026

Do you know where your local seed library is located in Contra Costa County? There are many, including at your local public library: https://ccclib.org/seed-library/

Seeds can grow more than gardens …

At the Madelyn Helling Library, UCCE Master Gardeners of Nevada County turned a small seed library into a year-round community resource. What began with $300 in seed funding and a vintage card catalog has grown into a thriving program that has shared more than 6,000 seed packets and helped over 1,300 residents grow fresh food.

The program offers more than free seeds. Volunteers also provide seed-saving workshops, gardening education, and practical information to help residents grow their own food.

Discover how a community partnership, dedicated volunteers, and a simple idea are helping strengthen food resilience in Nevada County.

Read the full story: https://ucanr.edu/blog/uc-master-gardener-program-statewide-blog/article/seed-library-grows-food-skills-and-community (or the link in our bio)



Photo Credit: UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County
Photo description: UC Master Gardener volunteers, Nikki Duncan and Judy Nichols, proudly display the vintage card catalog turned seed library.

09/18/2026

There's a reason it's called UC Cooperative Extension — the university's research doesn't stay locked in a lab, it extends straight into your backyard through free classes taught by trained volunteers. No sales pitch, no product to buy, just science.

“Noncommercial source of scientific information. I've attended many classes and learned so much from the Master Gardeners. I am applying what I am learning now and hope to become a Master Gardener one day.” — Susan Alexander, Nevada County

Find a class near you: mg.ucanr.edu


Photo credit: Barbra Braaten
Photo description: People walk and chat along a row of raised vegetable beds at an outdoor garden event. White tents and tables of flowers and produce are set up in the background.

08/25/2026

The end of summer is approaching, but the 2026 Wednesday morning Garden Talks at Our Garden demonstration garden in Walnut Creek will continue for two more months -- through the month of October!

With a different garden topic every Wednesday morning, these informative talks are given outdoors under the large oak tree near the corner of Shadelands Dr. and N. Wiget Ln. from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. -- a free service of the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County! No need to register, just show up!

After the talk, bring your specific gardening questions to the master gardeners at the Ask A Master Gardener information booth, open until 12 noon, for free expert advice!

06/28/2026

06/24/2026

One way to control pests in your garden is through proper pruning. Not just any pruning -- do it right! Improper pruning can result in more pests, not less pests. Take a look at these pruning tips! 🌿

06/22/2026

🌼🌻🌿🐝

It's Pollinator Week (June 22–28) — and your garden is part of something bigger than you might think.

Pollinators — bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more — are essential to the health of California's home gardens, farms, and wild landscapes. The plants you grow can support them, or work against them.

This week, we're sharing tips for making your garden a place pollinators love. Share your pollinator photos in the comments — we want to see what's visiting your garden!



Photo credit: Bruce Winningham, UC Master Gardener of Calaveras County.

Photo description: A close-up of a honeybee mid-flight above a partially open yellow sunflower. The bee's hind legs are visibly loaded with bright orange-yellow pollen. The flower's green bracts and fuzzy stem are sharply in focus against a soft gray background.