Navigating Santa Cruz County’s Microclimates: The Key to Garden Success
A tomato that thrives in sunny Boulder Creek will struggle in foggy Aptos. Understanding your specific microclimate is the difference between gardening success and perpetual frustration.
How to Grow Hot Peppers in Santa Cruz County
Learn which hot pepper varieties thrive in Santa Cruz County's microclimates, when to plant, and how to maximize your harvest in coastal or inland gardens.
Growing Tomatoes in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide
Learn how to grow tomatoes in Santa Cruz County's unique climate. Variety recommendations, planting tips, and solutions for coastal California challenges.
Growing Zinnias in Santa Cruz County: Bold Summer Color with Minimal Effort
Everything you need to grow zinnias in Santa Cruz County. From variety selection and planting timing to disease prevention and cut flower tips, zinnias deliver bold summer color with minimal effort.
From Garden to Glass: Growing Herbs for Cocktails in California
Fresh herbs transform ordinary cocktails into something special, and Santa Cruz County's mild climate lets you grow most cocktail herbs year-round. This guide covers the essential herbs for your home bar garden, with variety recommendations, growing tips for each microclimate, and recipes to put your harvest to work.
5 Edible Plants That Will Elevate Your Landscape Design and Your Dinner Plate
Embrace the union of beauty and practicality in your California garden with our top 5 edible plant choices. From the vibrant allure of tomatoes to the aromatic charm of herbs, learn how to cultivate a garden that's not just a visual treat but a culinary treasure. Uncover the secrets to growing peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries, making your garden a delightful source of fresh, tasty produce.
Growing Cosmos in Santa Cruz County: Effortless Color from Summer to Fall
Everything you need to grow cosmos in Santa Cruz County. These easy, drought-tolerant flowers bloom from summer through fall with minimal care, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.
Growing Unique Melons in Santa Cruz County: A Realistic Guide
Discover which unusual melon varieties actually succeed in Santa Cruz County's microclimates, plus honest guidance on where melons thrive and where they struggle.
Growing Squash in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide
Learn which squash varieties thrive in Santa Cruz County, how to manage powdery mildew, and tips for abundant summer and winter harvests.
Native Garden Design in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide to Growing California Natives
Native plants evolved with our climate. They need less water, attract pollinators and wildlife, and create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens that work with Santa Cruz County's conditions.
Growing Glass Gem Corn in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide to Rainbow Kernels
Glass Gem corn produces translucent, jewel-toned kernels in every color of the rainbow. This heirloom flint corn is easier to grow than you might expect and rewards patience with stunning ears.
Growing Fruit Trees in Santa Cruz County: Varieties That Actually Thrive Here
A practical guide to growing fruit trees in Santa Cruz County, with variety recommendations for different microclimates, chill hour information, and care instructions for citrus, figs, stone fruits, and more.
Growing Chiltepin Peppers in Santa Cruz County: The Wild Ancestor of All Chilis
Chiltepin peppers are the wild ancestor of all cultivated chilis. These tiny, fiery peppers are challenging but rewarding for Santa Cruz County gardeners who can provide the heat they need.
Growing an Herb Garden in Santa Cruz County: The Complete Local Guide
Santa Cruz County's Mediterranean climate is perfect for growing herbs. Learn which herbs thrive in your specific microclimate, when to plant, and how to keep your herb garden productive year-round.
Growing Sage in Santa Cruz: The Drought-Tolerant Herb for Every Garden
Explore the aromatic and versatile world of Sage, a perennial herb beloved in both the kitchen and garden. Our guide delves into the essentials of cultivating Sage, highlighting its diverse varieties and uses. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a culinary adventurer, discover how Sage can enrich your garden and recipes alike.
Growing Chives in Santa Cruz: The Easiest Perennial Herb for Your Garden
Chives are the perfect beginner herb for Santa Cruz gardens. They thrive in every microclimate, deter pests, produce beautiful edible flowers, and provide year-round harvests with almost no care.
Growing Lavender in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide
Lavender is perfectly suited to Santa Cruz County's Mediterranean climate. Once established, it needs almost no irrigation and rewards you with fragrant blooms, culinary uses, and pollinator habitat.