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.

What a pleasure it is to visit our spring garden! There is something to see, smell or hear wherever we look. The golden forsythia started the parade of color, seeming to shout “Look at me!” The cheerful daffodils brought smiles and the sky blue rosemary hummed with busy bees. The wisteria in full bloom continues to buzz with large black bees and its fragrance fills the air, rivaled by the fragrance from the nearby evergreen clematis. The magnificent star magnolia blossoms have come and gone, with green leaves taking over. The fruit trees have bloomed in succession, starting with the plum, then peaches, and then apples and pears. With all this beauty, it’s hard to believe that drought conditions still dominate, but Master Gardeners are busily considering their options for summer irrigation. Plans are progressing for our new “Welcome to Water-Wise Gardening” area, but the committee plans to postpone any planting until the drought eases.