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10 Plants to Avoid in Your Garden If You Have Kids or Pets
Many beautiful garden plants are surprisingly toxic to children and pets. Before you plant (or if you're moving into a home with an established garden), know which common Santa Cruz County plants pose risks and what to grow instead.
5 Easy Crops Kids Can Grow in Santa Cruz
The secret to getting kids excited about gardening? Quick wins. These 5 crops are perfect for Santa Cruz County kids: sunflowers grow dramatically tall, cherry tomatoes provide endless sweet snacks, snap peas climb and crunch, radishes are ready in just a month, and strawberries turn into a daily treasure hunt. Our mild climate means you can try these nearly year-round.
Gardening with Kids 101: Growing the Next Generation of Gardeners
Gardening with children is sensory exploration for babies, science class for school-age kids, and a chance to connect as a family. This guide covers age-appropriate activities from infants to teens, the best plants for each stage, and tips for keeping it fun. In Santa Cruz County, our year-round growing season means every season offers something to plant, watch, or harvest together.