The First 5 Vegetables to Grow in Santa Cruz County
New to vegetable gardening in Santa Cruz County? Start with these 5 forgiving, productive crops chosen specifically for our microclimates: cherry tomatoes (productive and delicious), summer squash (fast and abundant), lettuce (quick harvests year-round), essential herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley), and bush beans (nearly foolproof). Build confidence with these winners, then expand from there.
Saving Tomato Seeds: Preserve Your Favorite Varieties
Learn how to save tomato seeds using the fermentation method. Step-by-step guide for home gardeners to preserve heirloom and open-pollinated varieties.
Growing Tomatoes in Containers in Santa Cruz County
Learn how to grow tomatoes in containers in Santa Cruz County. Container sizes, best varieties, watering tips, and patio placement for coastal success.
Best Tomatoes by Microclimate: What to Grow Where in Santa Cruz County
Find the right tomato varieties for your Santa Cruz garden. Recommendations for coastal fog, redwood shade, San Lorenzo Valley, and warm inland areas like Watsonville.
Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes: Which to Grow in Santa Cruz County
Understand the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. Which type is best for Santa Cruz County's coastal climate and your garden goals?
Tomato Problems and How to Fix Them: A Santa Cruz Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshoot common tomato problems in Santa Cruz County: blossom end rot, cracking, blossom drop, leaf diseases, and pests. Local causes and practical fixes.
Dry-Farmed Tomatoes in Santa Cruz: Growing Intense Flavor with Less Water
Dry-farmed tomatoes produce intense, concentrated flavor by relying on stored soil moisture rather than irrigation. Learn which Santa Cruz microclimates can support this water-wise technique.
Watering Tomatoes in Santa Cruz County: How Much, How Often, and Common Mistakes
Learn how to water tomatoes properly in Santa Cruz County. Deep watering techniques, signs of problems, and tips for coastal vs. inland microclimates.
Tomato Fertilizing and Soil Preparation for Santa Cruz County
Learn how to prepare soil and fertilize tomatoes in Santa Cruz County. Local soil types, compost tips, and when to fertilize for best results.
Starting Tomatoes from Seed in Santa Cruz County
Learn when and how to start tomato seeds for Santa Cruz County's coastal climate. Timing guide, setup tips, and variety recommendations for local conditions.
Extending Tomato Season in Santa Cruz County
Learn how to extend your tomato season in Santa Cruz County's foggy coastal climate. Variety selection, soil warming, protection, and late-season strategies.
When and How to Harvest Tomatoes for Peak Flavor
Learn when to pick tomatoes for best flavor in Santa Cruz County. Ripeness stages, harvest techniques, and coastal climate strategies for home gardeners.
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.
Heirloom Tomatoes for Santa Cruz County: Varieties Worth Growing
Discover which heirloom tomatoes grow best in Santa Cruz County. Variety recommendations by microclimate, from early cherries to large slicers.
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.