The Stanislaus Sprout

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Apples of my Eye

September 26, 2025
 Nothing says fall like biting into a fresh, crisp apple. While a few varieties are available in stores, growing your own apples can be a rewarding experience, providing you with varieties unavailable at the supermarket. This article includes information to assist home gardeners in selecting the right…
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For Summer Shade, Plant a Tree Today

September 26, 2025
 Many beautiful varieties of shade trees are well-suited to our Central Valley climate. Fall is the perfect time to plant a tree that will provide shade for your landscape for years to come! Small Trees – to 30 feet tallChaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)This gorgeous deciduous tree has a round or…
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MOSQUITOES: The True Vampires

September 26, 2025
 Vampires are mythic undead humans who sleep during the day and hunt for blood at night.  However, we have our own very real and very much alive bloodsucking vampires - mosquitoes! Unlike vampires, some mosquitoes are active during the daytime and may be out with the ghosts, goblins and witches…
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Saving Seeds

August 19, 2025
 I’ve enjoyed gardening for years. I started by visiting my local garden center each spring and carefully selecting containers of already started plants. I quickly realized that I didn’t need 6 zucchini plants – seriously, with only 2 adults I could have been a cartoon for “gifting” the excess. I also…
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SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN – What Bees Might You See?

August 18, 2025
 Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are the only bees you may see in your garden year-round. Other bees are seasonal, with different species appearing at different times of the year. Here are three of the California native bees you may see in your garden during September; all are important pollinators:…
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