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Prepare Your Peninsula Garden for Spring with UC Master Gardeners
From soil prep to frost damage, get expert tips for a thriving garden this season
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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As spring approaches, the UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco are sharing timely advice for Peninsula gardeners. From planting carrots in heavy clay soil to minimizing soil disturbance, their monthly tips cover everything needed to get your garden ready for the growing season ahead.
Why it matters
The UC Master Gardeners provide valuable, research-backed guidance to help local residents cultivate thriving home gardens, which can increase access to fresh, nutritious produce, support pollinators, and enhance the beauty of neighborhoods across the Peninsula.
The details
The experts recommend adding organic material like compost to improve heavy clay soils, which can help carrots grow long and straight. They also advise against over-tilling, which can disrupt the delicate web of soil organisms plants need. For frost-damaged plants, it's best to leave the damage in place until the risk of cold weather has passed. The Master Gardeners also highlight the many uses of thyme, from culinary to medicinal.
- The UC Master Gardeners' monthly Plant Clinic Online starts up again on Tuesday, March 10.
- The typical last frost date will vary depending on your location within the county and its microclimate, but it's time to start the spring cleanup soon.
The players
UC Master Gardeners
A group of trained volunteers who provide research-based gardening advice to the public through the University of California Cooperative Extension.
What’s next
The UC Master Gardeners' monthly Plant Clinic Online sessions take place on the second Tuesday of the month, March–October, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Gardeners can register via Zoom to chat with experts and learn about plant care.
The takeaway
The UC Master Gardeners offer a wealth of practical, science-based advice to help Peninsula residents cultivate thriving home gardens, from improving soil health to managing frost damage. Their monthly tips and clinics are a valuable resource for local gardeners of all skill levels.
