Growing Broccoli in Santa Cruz County | Fog Belt Guide
Learn how to grow broccoli in Santa Cruz County. Varieties, planting times, fog belt advantages, and side shoot harvesting for coastal California gardens.
Preserving Your Summer Harvest: A Santa Cruz County Guide
How to preserve your California garden harvest through freezing, drying, canning, and fermentation. Crop-specific guides with safe preservation methods for h...
How to Protect Avocado Trees from Cold in Coastal California
Practical cold protection strategies for avocado trees in coastal California. Frost cloth, microclimate selection, thermal mass, and UC-recommended methods.
Your February Garden Checklist for Santa Cruz County
Your complete February garden checklist for Santa Cruz County. Indoor seed starting, bed preparation, pea and potato planting, and last frost timing for coastal and mountain zones.
Warm-Season Cut Flowers for Santa Cruz County
When summer warmth arrives, these cut flowers take center stage. Here are the best warm-season blooms to grow for bouquets in Santa Cruz County.
Cool-Season Cut Flowers for Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County's mild winters are perfect for cool-season cut flowers. These varieties bloom when most gardens are dormant.
Growing Cauliflower in Santa Cruz County | Coastal California Guide
How to grow cauliflower in Santa Cruz County. Varieties, blanching tips, preventing buttoning, and why our mild winters give you an edge.
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.