In this episode of Master Gardeners & Friends on KNCO, UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County Ann Wright and Susan Van Steenkiste offer timely gardening and wildfire-preparedness advice for Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Nevada City and the Sierra Foothills. Learn how to protect tomatoes during high temperatures, water deeply, conserve moisture with mulch, grow native and Mediterranean-climate plants, and plan container and cool-season vegetable gardens. The hosts also discuss fire-smart landscaping, defensible space, Zone 0, ladder fuels, evacuation go-bags, pet and livestock planning, Ready Nevada County and Genasys Protect evacuation zones—especially relevant following the Kearney and Chute fires. Plus, hear about the NID Demonstration Garden, upcoming UC Master Gardener workshops and family activities at the 2026 Nevada County Fair.