Your January Garden Checklist for Santa Cruz County
Your complete January garden checklist for Santa Cruz County. Bare-root planting, dormant pruning, citrus harvest, and frost protection tips for coastal and mountain gardeners.
What Can I Plant in My Garden in January in Santa Cruz?
January is a surprisingly productive month for Santa Cruz gardens. Here is what to plant, sow, and prepare while the rest of the country waits for spring.
When to Plant Brassicas in Santa Cruz County | Planting Calendar
Complete brassica planting calendar for Santa Cruz County. Seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates by microclimate for broccoli, cabbage, and more.
Growing Sugar Snap and Snow Peas in Santa Cruz
Sugar snap and snow peas thrive in Santa Cruz County's cool seasons. Plant them in fall or late winter for sweet, crunchy harvests through spring.
Growing Fava Beans: Winter Cover Crop and Food
Fava beans fix nitrogen, protect bare soil through winter, and produce a delicious harvest. They are the ultimate dual-purpose crop for Santa Cruz gardens.
Growing Brussels Sprouts in Santa Cruz County | Cool Climate Guide
How to grow Brussels sprouts in Santa Cruz County. Varieties, topping technique, frost benefits, and why our cool coast is perfect for this crop.
Growing Pumpkins in Santa Cruz County: From Seed to Jack-o-Lantern
Growing your own pumpkins is one of the most satisfying fall garden projects. Here is everything you need to know for Santa Cruz County.
Winter Cover Crops in California: What to Sow After Summer Garden Ends
Plant winter cover crops in October or November to protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, and build organic matter. Best species and timing for California gardens.
Summer Garden Survival Guide for Coastal California
How to keep your coastal California garden thriving through fog, uneven heat, and drought. Watering, mulching, pest control, and harvest tips for Santa Cruz ...
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in December
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in November
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in October
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in September
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in August
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in July
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in June
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in May
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.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in April
It's transition time. Find out when to transplant your tomatoes, how to manage spring pests, and what to sow directly into the garden.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in March
Spring has arrived in Santa Cruz! From starting tomatoes indoors to planting leafy greens outside, here is your complete March gardening checklist.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in February
Spring is just around the corner. Learn which cool-season crops to plant now and how to start your peppers and tomatoes indoors.