University of California
Alameda County Master Gardeners
Lake Merritt Trials Garden
The Alameda County Master Gardeners began this project in the spring of 2007. After two years of development, the garden is up and running in the summer of 2009 to provide outreach and service to the local community.
NEW for 2011 - Speaker Series in the Trials Garden! For more information, see 2011 Speaker Series at Lake Merritt Trials Garden.
2011 Pepper Trials 
In 2011, the Alameda County Master Gardeners decided to Trial different
varieties of peppers, from sweet to hot, in our garden to see which did
best in our Oakland climate. Contrary to popular belief, you CAN grow
peppers in our Maritime climate, but you will need to start the plants
from seed indoors to get a jump on the summer, so that when the heat of
summer hits, the plants will spring into action and set fruit.
We planted 29 total plants of 18 different varieties. Our original intention was to plant 2 plants of each variety, but weather and nature intervened, so we did what successful gardeners do and adapted. We are growing Corno di Toro, Italian Roasting, Gusto Green, Jalapeno, Early Jalapeno, Ancho, Anaheim, Nu Mex, Serrano, Yum Yuma, Thai Dragon, Thai Chili, Chinese 5 Color, Valencia, Coral Bell, Pizza My Heart and Admiral.
As of early-August, all the plants are doing well with only three showing any signs of disease. The plants that are next to the tomatoes are smaller and later than the rest, showing the effect of shade from other plants on peppers. So far we have harvested 55 small, conical light green fruit from Gusto Green, a vigorous hot pepper. We have not yet harvested any other peppers. Interesting early observations are that the Jalapenos have fruit on them, while the Early Jalapenos are barely starting to flower.
Come by and visit the garden to see the Pepper Trials for yourself. We are there to answer questions every Wednesday and 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 11AM to 1PM. Stay tuned for the results!
In 2011, the Alameda County Master Gardeners decided to Trial different
varieties of peppers, from sweet to hot, in our garden to see which did
best in our Oakland climate. Contrary to popular belief, you CAN grow
peppers in our Maritime climate, but you will need to start the plants
from seed indoors to get a jump on the summer, so that when the heat of
summer hits, the plants will spring into action and set fruit.
As of early-August, all the plants are doing well with only three showing any signs of disease. The plants that are next to the tomatoes are smaller and later than the rest, showing the effect of shade from other plants on peppers. So far we have harvested 55 small, conical light green fruit from Gusto Green, a vigorous hot pepper. We have not yet harvested any other peppers. Interesting early observations are that the Jalapenos have fruit on them, while the Early Jalapenos are barely starting to flower.
Come by and visit the garden to see the Pepper Trials for yourself. We are there to answer questions every Wednesday and 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 11AM to 1PM. Stay tuned for the results!
Purposes of the Trials Garden:
- To test varieties of vegetables to see which do best in our marine-influenced local climate.
- To test and demonstrate various types of irrigation, mulching, plant support, planting containers and other techniques that might enhance growing success.
- To test and demonstrate the use of summer-dry ornamental plants to beautify the garden and save water, with a focus on the plants in our brochure Outstanding Plants for Alameda County.
- To demonstrate inviting butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden.
- To provide a venue for garden workshops, classes and demonstrations for Master Gardeners and the general public.
- To provide a venue for ongoing public outreach for answering gardening questions.
Philosophy of the Trials Garden:
- Because we are in a public garden that does not allow chemicals for fertilizing or pest control, we only will practice and demonstrate organic, sustainable methods in the Trials Garden.
- We are an educational garden always open to the public during Garden Center hours even when Master Gardeners are not present.
Master Gardeners are at the Lake Merritt Trial Gardens to answer your gardening questions every Wednesday and every 2nd and 4th Saturday, weather permitting, 11 AM - 1 PM
DIRECTIONS: Bellvue Ave is one-way off of Grand Ave on the north side of Lake Merritt. After passing Children’s Fairyland on the right and the lawn bowling club on the left, you come to the Garden Center building on your left. The entrance to the garden area is just past the building, and the Trials Garden is in the center of the overall garden area. Click Here For MAPQUEST Link
