When the New Year approaches, it is often a time of reflection and introspection for many, and gardeners are no different.

No matter how green a gardener’s thumb may be, there are always a few things we can do better.

A quick poll of San Joaquin County master gardeners revealed many resolutions for the new year that may apply to most of us: inventory the plants already growing in your yard and learn their specific needs; weed early and often; seek out native plants and trees when planting; learn to be water-wise; thoroughly read and follow all label directions when using garden chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; divide clumping plants and bulbs; put sprinklers on an intelligent timer to water mornings only; keep a garden journal and set up a garden calendar; check and inventory seed collections; incorporate compost whenever possible; and recycle discarded plastic pots.

Also consider submitting a question for this column and recommending the Master Gardener program to your gardener friends. Applications are being accepted through Jan. 16 for the 2009 training session. For more information, call the master gardener hotline at 953-6112.

• UC Certified Master Gardeners are available to answer your gardening questions Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 953-6112. Questions for this column can be submitted to ucmastergardener@gmail.com.