#gardenessentials

Choosing the right berry plants for your backyard garden depends on your space, sunlight, and gardening goals. At Evergreen Nursery in San Leandro, we help local homeowners select berry plants that work best for their outdoor spaces and spring gardening plans.

If you have a small patio, balcony, or container garden, strawberries and blueberries are excellent choices. These plants grow well in containers and raised beds, making them ideal for limited spaces.

For larger backyard gardens, raspberry and blackberry bushes are perfect. They can be planted along fences, walls, or garden borders to create an edible privacy screen.

Sunlight is another important factor. Most berry plants need full sun for 6–8 hours daily for healthy fruit production. If your yard has partial shade, blueberries and strawberries may adapt better than other varieties.

It’s also a good idea to plan how your berry plants will work alongside your vegetable plants. Many San Leandro gardeners combine berries with tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens during spring planting season.

Our team at Evergreen Nursery can guide you toward the best varieties based on your garden style and maintenance preferences.

Starting your spring gardening journey can be exciting, but common mistakes can slow down plant growth and reduce harvest quality.

One of the most common mistakes in spring planting is planting too early. While San Leandro has a mild climate, some vegetable plants still need warmer soil temperatures to thrive.

Another mistake is overwatering. Many gardeners assume more water means faster growth, but too much moisture can damage roots.

Poor soil preparation is another major issue. Without compost and nutrient-rich soil, plants may struggle to grow properly.

Overcrowding plants is also a common problem. Giving your vegetable plants enough space ensures good airflow and reduces disease risk.

Using the right gardening tools in San Leandro can help avoid these mistakes by making soil preparation and plant spacing easier.

Seed Potatoes Are Here for Spring Planting!

Spring planting season has arrived in the East Bay, and Evergreen Nursery is now offering six certified seed potato varieties: California White, Dark Red Norland, French Fingerling, German Butterball, Huckleberry Gold, and Russet Burbank.

Explore our latest blog for easy Spring planting tips, including how to grow potatoes in raised beds or containers, plus expert advice on soil, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting—ideal for gardeners in San Leandro, Oakland, Castro Valley, Alameda, and Hayward.

Understanding the difference between Potting Soil and Garden Soil is essential for successful planting. While both support plant growth, they serve different purposes.

Potting Soil is designed for container gardening. It’s lightweight, well-draining, and often enriched with nutrients to support plants in confined spaces. This makes it ideal for indoor plants, patio containers, and hanging baskets.

Garden Soil, on the other hand, is meant for in-ground planting. It’s denser and works best when mixed with existing soil to improve structure and fertility.

Using the right type of soil ensures your plants receive the proper support they need. For example, using garden soil in pots can lead to poor drainage, while potting soil in garden beds may not provide enough stability.

It can be disappointing to see monarch caterpillars vanish or die unexpectedly after putting effort into Spring planting. However, this is a common challenge for gardeners in San Leandro, CA, and understanding the causes can help you improve survival rates.

Natural Predators

One of the most common reasons caterpillars disappear is predation. Birds, spiders, ants, and wasps often feed on monarch eggs and caterpillars.

Even in a well-planned garden filled with monarch plants, predators are part of the natural ecosystem.

Disease and Parasites

Caterpillars are vulnerable to bacterial infections and parasites. Overcrowding milkweed plants can increase the spread of disease, especially if leaves are not kept clean.

Environmental Stress

Weather plays a big role in caterpillar survival:

Heavy rain can wash them away

Strong winds can displace them

Extreme heat can cause dehydration

Providing a mix of springtime plants can help create a more stable microclimate.

Pesticide Exposure

Even indirect exposure to pesticides can harm caterpillars. This includes chemicals used in nearby gardens. Organic Spring gardening practices are essential for protecting monarchs.

Food Shortage

If you don’t have enough milkweed, caterpillars may starve or leave in search of food. This is why planting sufficient monarch plants is critical.

How to Improve Survival Rates

Grow dense patches of milkweed for shelter

Avoid overcrowding plants

Keep leaves clean and healthy

Monitor plants regularly for signs of disease

Creating a Balanced Garden

Adding a variety of springtime plants supports biodiversity, which can help reduce pest outbreaks and create a healthier ecosystem.

Role of Edible Landscape Plants

Edible landscape plants like herbs and flowering vegetables attract beneficial insects that can help maintain balance in your garden.

Accepting Natural Loss

It’s important to understand that not all caterpillars will survive. In nature, only a small percentage reach adulthood. Your goal is to improve the odds, not eliminate loss entirely.

Conclusion

Growing backyard citrus trees in San Leandro is rewarding, but the Bay Area’s changing weather patterns can sometimes pose challenges. From cool coastal breezes to unexpected temperature drops, protecting your citrus trees is essential for maintaining healthy growth and consistent fruit production.

During spring planting, selecting the right location is the first step. Citrus trees thrive in sunny spots with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. Placing them near walls or fences can provide additional warmth and protection from wind. These microclimates can significantly improve your tree’s resilience.

Frost is one of the biggest threats to citrus trees, especially during cooler nights. Covering your trees with frost cloth or blankets can help retain heat and prevent damage. Mulching around the base also plays a crucial role in regulating soil temperature and retaining moisture.

Proper watering is equally important. Citrus trees prefer deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow watering. Ensuring good drainage prevents root rot and keeps your trees healthy. Feeding your trees with a balanced citrus fertilizer supports growth and strengthens their ability to withstand environmental stress.

Incorporating citrus trees into your edible landscape plants design not only enhances your garden aesthetically but also provides fresh, homegrown fruit. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

Free Workshop: Plant Your Spring Garden

On Saturday, March 21st at 1:00pm get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into spring planting with the San Leandro-based veggie gardening experts from Tandi Family Farms!

You’ll learn about the art of the Victory Garden Project while exploring their space-saving vertical gardening and square-foot planting methods that are suitable for East Bay gardens of all sizes. There will be a short presentation inside our warehouse classroom followed by a hands-on demo with the whole Tandi Family Farms team. This event will happen rain or shine so please dress accordingly.

Follow the link to learn how to register for this event.