About
Hi, I’m Adrienne!
I started Ambitious Harvest to help Santa Cruz and Bay Area gardeners grow their own food, without the guesswork.
If you've ever Googled gardening advice only to find it doesn't quite work here (wrong planting times, varieties that struggle in our fog, tips that ignore our dry summers), you know the frustration. Generic advice wasn't written for our microclimates.
That's why I created this site: to share practical, local knowledge for gardeners in Santa Cruz County and the greater Bay Area. Everything here is based on what actually works in our unique conditions, from coastal Aptos to sunny Boulder Creek to shady spots under the redwoods.
A bit about my background:
I'm a Gardenary-certified garden consultant with years of experience helping local gardeners plan, plant, and maintain productive vegetable gardens. I've worked with beginners planting their first tomato and experienced gardeners expanding into year-round food production.
My focus on fire-wise landscaping comes from seeing firsthand how our community has been affected by recent wildfires. Creating beautiful, productive gardens that also protect homes has become an essential skill for Santa Cruz County gardeners.
I'm passionate about making gardening accessible, practical, and tailored to our unique California conditions.
What you’ll find here:
All the guides and resources on Ambitious Harvest are free. Browse by topic, whether you're just getting started, looking for crop-specific grow guides, figuring out what to plant this month, or learning how to garden with less water. I've also created guides specific to Santa Cruz County's microclimates, fire-wise gardening, dealing with local wildlife and pests, and gardening with kids.
Happy growing,
Adrienne
Looking for personalized guidance?
I offer virtual garden consultations for folks who want one-on-one help.