Local nurseries are in business to sell stuff. Every garden question I have always come with some product they have to sell. I call it my $20 answer. The people at answers have been great. Thank you. Unfortunatly what does well for you in New York or Denver isn't much help to me where I live down here by the Mexican boarder in California. I am in need of answers that will help in my back yard. Answers without a price tag. Any suggestions? Thanks to all you wonderful gardeners where ever you live!
Do okorder I am a long time gardener and I live a bit north of you, but on the edge of the desert/mountains. My biggest problem is lack of good soil and no matter how much I mulch, add compost, and more organic material, the lack of silt and clay in my soil means everything just leaches right through. I try to grow drought tolerant plants, mulch heavily, and use drip irrigation. I fertilize with slow release, organic type fertilizers. Some plants do well in my yard, and some struggle. You are welcome to email me.
The best source of information that is free is your local extension service. Extension services are divided by county. If you visit the California website for extension you can that be sent to your county website. Then click on links for gardening/master gardener. Here in Ohio they put on many clinics and will answer any questions you may have.
Ask a MASTER GARDENER for FREE expert advise for all your local garden questions advise. You will not find a Master Gardener at any store (re: Home Depot. Target, etc) or nursery as Master Gardeners are not allowed to use their title for any commercial or for profit business. Anyone claiming to be a Master Gardener working for ant business should be turned in to County government. They would be dismissed and loose their state certification. But chances are anyone claiming to be a Master Gardener in a commercial business is surving you a line of bull. MASTER GARDENERS are usually found at County offices of the County Farm Advisor's office or your local State Univ. Cooperative Extension office. MASTER GARDENERS are highly trained VOLUNTEERS. Wonderful folks who donate their time and energy to help others with their home gardening needs. Many wait for years on a long list of volunteers before offered a chance at training to become a MASTER GARDENER. Active MASTER GARDENERS must put in a minimum amout of hours and ongoing continuing education each year inorder to be recertified each year. Noone will know more about your own, local garden problems, growing conditions plants then your own local MASTER GARDENERS. MASTER GARDENER sights are located in all 50 states most of Canada. Almost every major County in the United States will have a MASTER GARDENER program. If the Master Gardener on duty can't answer your question he or she is linked to all the ag experts your County or State has to offer. MASTER GARDENERS like to brag, no question ever goes unanswered! And their answers are always THE BEST ANSWER. Find them on the web, or your local phone book under County Government or your State Univ. coop extension service.
