Learn
CATEGORIES
- Beginner Gardening
- California Gardening
- Companion Planting
- Container Gardening
- Edible Gardening
- Fire-Wise Gardening
- Food Safety
- Garden Myth Buster
- Garden Planning
- Garden Question of the Week
- Gardening with Kids
- Getting Started
- Grow Guides
- Growing Guides
- Herbs
- How-To Guides
- Indoor Gardening
- Microclimates
- Microgreens and Indoor Growing
- Monthly Garden Checklist
- Nutrition
- Planning & Planting
- Plant Problems
- Seasonal Gardening
- Seasonal Planting
- Succulents
- This vs. That
- Water-Wise Gardening
- Wildlife and Pest Management
Beneficial Insects vs. Pesticides for Aphids
Beneficial insects provide self-sustaining aphid control while pesticides require constant reapplication. Here is why Santa Cruz gardeners should go biological.
Can I Grow Avocados in Santa Cruz County?
Yes, you can grow avocados in Santa Cruz County with the right variety and microclimate. Learn which cold-hardy varieties work, when to plant by zone, and how to protect young trees from frost.
Are Banana Peels a Good Garden Fertilizer?
Banana peels contain only 0.9% potassium, far less than real fertilizer. Burying them near plants can attract pests and temporarily rob soil nitrogen.
Bare-Root vs. Container Fruit Trees: Best Value?
Bare-root fruit trees cost 30-50% less and establish faster than container trees. Here is how to choose the right buying option for your Santa Cruz garden.
How Deep Should a Raised Bed Be for Vegetables?
Twelve inches is the minimum, but 18 to 24 inches gives roots room to grow and holds moisture longer through dry Santa Cruz summers.
Do All Bees Sting? Why Your Garden Needs Them
Most of California's 1,600+ native bee species are gentle and many cannot sting. Your garden needs them for pollination. Here is why you should welcome them.
Bagged Soil vs. Bulk Soil: Which Is the Better Deal?
Bulk soil saves 40-60% over bagged soil when filling raised beds. Here is how to calculate what you need and find the best mix in Santa Cruz County.
What Companion Plants Work Well with Tomatoes in California?
Basil deters pests, marigolds suppress nematodes, and carrots fill in without competing. Here are the best tomato companions for California gardens.
Does Adding Sand to Clay Soil Improve Drainage?
Adding sand to clay soil sounds logical, but it can create a concrete-like mix that drains worse than before. Here is what actually works for California clay.
Artichokes vs. Cardoon: Which Thistle to Grow
Artichokes are the clear winner for Santa Cruz gardens. We live in the best artichoke climate in the country, and the harvest is universally loved. Here is the full comparison.
Why Are My Tomato Seedlings Leggy?
Leggy tomato seedlings are stretching for light. Move grow lights closer, add a fan for stem strength, and bury stems deep when you transplant.
Your April Garden Checklist for Santa Cruz County
Your complete April garden checklist for Santa Cruz County. Warm-season transplanting, drip irrigation setup, artichoke harvest, and pest management for coastal and inland gardens.
Do You Need to Add Lime to California Garden Soil?
Garden advice from other regions says to lime your soil every spring, but most California soils are already neutral to alkaline. A soil test tells the real story.
What Are the First Five Vegetables a Beginner Should Grow in Santa Cruz?
Lettuce, snap peas, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and basil are the best starter crops for Santa Cruz. Forgiving, productive, and well-suited to our climate.
Succulents for Fire-Wise Landscaping | Protect Your Home Naturally
Use succulents for fire-wise landscaping in California. Learn which high-moisture plants protect your home and how to design effective succulent fire breaks.
When Should I Start Tomato Seeds Indoors on the California Coast?
Mid-February is the sweet spot for starting tomato seeds indoors on the California coast. Start too early and seedlings outgrow their pots before soil is warm.
Succulent Problems in Coastal California | Rot, Pests & Fixes
Diagnose and fix common succulent problems in coastal California. Root rot, mealybugs, etiolation, sunburn, and other issues with practical solutions.
Succulent Container Gardens in California | Design, Soil & Care
Create stunning succulent container gardens in California. Expert tips on soil mix, container selection, design, and year-round care for coastal climates.
5 Garden Science Experiments Kids Can Do This Summer
Fun, hands-on garden science experiments for kids. Grow plants, test soil, observe insects, and learn about nature in your Santa Cruz backyard this summer.
12 Vegetables Every Beginner Should Grow in California
Discover the 12 easiest vegetables to grow in California, with variety picks, planting tips, and zone-specific advice from a Santa Cruz gardener.