Welcome to UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County

Nevada County gardens vary widely. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Soil types are red clay, serpentine, sandy loam, forest loam or something in-between. Generally acidic, soils may lack necessary nutrients and organic matter. Some gardens are below the snowline, while others are often covered with snow and may have frozen soil for an extended time. We know that “One size does not fit all.” Gardening in Nevada County is unlike gardening elsewhere and it is not the same throughout the county. Master Gardeners are here to provide home gardeners in Nevada County with science-based information, whatever their gardening conditions.

Western Nevada County Gardening Guide

Ask a Question

Do you have a question about gardening? Click here to find out how to reach us.

News from Our Demonstration Garden

Come visit the Demonstration Garden at 1036 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, on the NID grounds.  If you would like to schedule a group tour led by a Master Gardener, please call our Hotline office (530) 273-0919.

Rain, wonderful rain arrived in December! We hope for more, although we have to plan for continued drought. In February that will be the topic for our first workshop of the year. Looking around the Demo Garden, we see that work goes on in spite of the weather. The new pergola raised beds have been planted with waterwise plants and the Daffodil Project planted more daffodils nearby. The Propagation Team started hardwood cuttings for our spring plant sale. The Orchard Team spread straw and woodchips to reduce weeds on the pathways and waited anxiously for rain-free days to do the dormant spraying. Other areas of the garden were groomed and new mulch was added. Vivid fall colors are just a memory and spring renewal is only a promise as rain started the cycle of growth again.