How Do I Keep My Garden Watered During a California Drought?
Mulch and drip irrigation are the two biggest water savers for California gardens. Here is how to set them up and stop wasting water this summer.
Is Fall Actually the Best Time to Plant in California?
Fall planting in California gives plants cooler weather and natural rainfall to establish roots before summer. For many crops, it beats spring planting.
Can I Grow Tomatoes in the Fog Belt?
Fog belt tomatoes are possible with the right varieties and warm microclimates. Cherry tomatoes and early slicers are your best bet in coastal Santa Cruz.
How Do I Save Tomato Seeds for Next Year?
The fermentation method is the best way to save tomato seeds at home. It takes 15 minutes of active work and produces seeds that stay viable for years.
What Is the Difference Between Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes?
Determinate tomatoes set fruit all at once and stop. Indeterminate keep growing and producing all season. Your microclimate helps decide which to grow.
Why Are My Tomatoes Not Turning Red in Coastal California?
Cool nights slow tomato ripening on the coast. Choose early varieties and use warm microclimates for red tomatoes in Santa Cruz.
What Causes Blossom Drop on Tomatoes?
Tomato blossom drop is caused by temperature stress, usually cool nights on the coast. It is temporary and corrects itself when conditions stabilize.
What Is "June Gloom" and How Does It Affect My Garden?
Coastal fog slows warm-season crops but extends cool-season harvests. Work with June gloom by placing crops in the right microclimates.
How Do I Get Rid of Aphids Organically?
A strong water spray removes most aphids. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings before reaching for sprays. Organic aphid control starts simple.
Garden Question of the Week: Short Answers for Santa Cruz Gardeners
Real questions from Santa Cruz County gardeners, answered in a few minutes each. Tomatoes, fog, clay soil, fruit trees, and pests.
What Is Blossom End Rot and How Do I Prevent It?
Blossom end rot is a calcium uptake problem caused by inconsistent watering. Mulch, water on a schedule, and skip the eggshells.
Why Is My Rosemary Dying?
Overwatering kills more rosemary in Santa Cruz than anything else. This Mediterranean herb needs dry soil, good drainage, and far less water than vegetables.
Do Strawberries Like Coffee Grounds?
Compost coffee grounds before adding them to strawberry beds. Direct application can tie up nitrogen and create a water-repellent layer.
What Vegetables Can I Grow in Partial Shade in Coastal California?
Leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs thrive in 3 to 4 hours of direct sun. Partial shade actually helps cool-season crops last longer.
How Do I Set Up Drip Irrigation for Raised Beds?
A basic raised bed drip system needs a timer, pressure regulator, mainline tubing, and emitters. Installation takes about 30 minutes per bed.
When Can I Transplant Tomato Seedlings Outside in Santa Cruz?
Wait for soil temperatures of 60F and night air above 50F before transplanting tomatoes. That's mid-April to mid-May in most of Santa Cruz County.
What Is the Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds in California?
The classic one-third topsoil, one-third compost, one-third conditioner mix works for most raised bed vegetables in California gardens.
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.
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.
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.