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. And, Master Gardeners offer a number of workshops and events to achieve this goal.

Thank You to all who supported our Spring Plant Sale!

Ask a Question

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

News from the Demonstration Garden

The Demonstration Garden at 1036 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, (on the NID grounds) offers a wonderful variety of plant venues. Including an orchard and oak habitat, the Master Gardener's Demonstration Garden offers visible learning opportunities for the public. Check out the map of the garden: Demonstration Garden Map.

If you would like to schedule a group tour led by a Master Gardener, please call our Hotline office (530) 273-0919.

The Season Turns

What happens when we have an unusually warm and dry winter? Master Gardeners go to work! Fencing between the Orchard and the Oak Habitat was relocated, new native plants were installed in a garden strip along the fence, and deer fencing was extended to enclose the Orchard. The lower propagation bench and the rose garden were dismantled to make way for a new hoop house for propagation. Plans were laid to reorganize our composting area. All this was in addition to the usual maintenance work in each of the areas: weeding, pruning and propagating. Much was accomplished.

Our lovely ‘Sentinel’ manzanita finished blooming before the cold snap came in late February. Hellebore, Flowering Quince and Oregon Grape were in full bloom. Spring was in the air—insects were on the move and the stone fruit buds were swelling. And then the snow came, which brought a beauty of its own, and the question of what would happen next. Will there be a miracle snow to replenish our snowpack in the Sierra? Will we return to the drought? Spring is sure to bring an answer.