December is the garden's quiet month, but you can still plant bare-root fruit trees, cold-hardy greens, and perennials. Plus, it's the best time to plan next year's Santa Cruz garden.

November is when Santa Cruz gardens shift into cool-season mode. Plant bare-root fruit trees, direct seed greens and peas, and clean up summer crops while rains start and temperatures drop.

October is garlic month in Santa Cruz County. Plant fava beans, cool-season greens, and peas while harvesting the last of summer's tomatoes. The transition season requires managing both.

September in Santa Cruz County is still summer. Temperatures hit 90s to 100s inland while tomatoes peak. Plant cool-season crops now for fall harvest, but don't pull productive summer plants yet.

August in Santa Cruz County is your last chance for many fall crops. Days are shortening fast. Transplant brassicas, seed greens and carrots while harvesting summer's peak tomato abundance.

July brings peak summer harvest and peak heat. But it's also critical for fall planting. The brassicas and greens you start now become your November through February harvests. Don't skip this month.

June is when your garden hits its stride, but don't stop planting. Succession plant beans and squash for continuous harvest, and start fall brassicas indoors now for winter abundance.

The danger of frost is past! It’s time to get your heat-loving peppers, basil, and melons into the ground for a summer harvest.

It's transition time. Find out when to transplant your tomatoes, how to manage spring pests, and what to sow directly into the garden.

Spring has arrived in Santa Cruz! From starting tomatoes indoors to planting leafy greens outside, here is your complete March gardening checklist.

Spring is just around the corner. Learn which cool-season crops to plant now and how to start your peppers and tomatoes indoors.

It's bare-root season! January is the perfect time to plant fruit trees, prune your roses, and prep your soil for a productive spring.