Bare Root Fruit Trees: A Santa Cruz County Planting Guide
Everything you need to know about buying and planting bare root fruit trees in Santa Cruz County, from evaluating trees at the nursery to first-year care for successful establishment.
California Lilac: The Drought-Proof Shrub That Blooms Blue
Learn how to grow California lilac (Ceanothus) in Santa Cruz County. Complete guide to species selection, planting tips, care requirements, and where to buy locally.
Eco-Friendly Gardening: A Santa Cruz Guide to Growing Green
Create a sustainable garden in Santa Cruz County with practical tips for organic practices, water conservation, soil building, and boosting biodiversity in your backyard.
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.
Soil Amendments for Santa Cruz County Gardens: What to Add and When
A practical guide to soil amendments for Santa Cruz County gardens, covering compost, lime, coco coir, and more. Includes local sources and advice for coastal, redwood, and inland soils.
Growing Sticky Monkey Flower in Santa Cruz County
Learn how to grow sticky monkey flower in Santa Cruz County. Native plant guide covering varieties, planting tips, hummingbird attraction, and local sources for this drought-tolerant perennial.
Hugelkultur in Santa Cruz County: Building Mound Beds with Buried Wood
Learn how hugelkultur mound gardening builds rich soil, conserves water, and boosts plant growth. A sustainable technique perfect for Santa Cruz gardens.
Toyon: The Native Berry Shrub California Gardens Need
Toyon's bright red winter berries and glossy evergreen leaves make it California's answer to traditional holly. This drought-tolerant native thrives in Santa Cruz County's varied microclimates.
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.
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 California Poppies in Santa Cruz County
Learn how to grow California poppies in Santa Cruz County. Complete guide to planting, timing, color varieties, and creating wildflower displays in your Bay Area garden.
California Lupine: A Wildflower That Feeds Your Soil
Learn how to grow California lupine in Santa Cruz County. Native wildflower guide covering local species, planting tips, soil benefits, and where to find seeds at local nurseries.
Harvesting and Using Mulberries: Recipes, Preservation, and Creative Ideas
Learn how to harvest, store, freeze, and cook mulberries. Includes recipes for jam, syrup, baked goods, and creative ways to use your mulberry harvest.
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.
Why Manzanita Is the Crown Jewel of California Native Gardens
Complete guide to growing manzanita in Santa Cruz County. Species selection, planting tips, drainage requirements, and care for California's most beautiful native shrub.
Water-Wise Gardening in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide to Growing More with Less Water
Water-wise gardening isn't about deprivation. It's about working with our Mediterranean climate: building soil that holds moisture, watering efficiently, and choosing plants adapted to dry summers.
Edible Landscape Design: A Practical Guide for Santa Cruz Gardens
Learn how to create an edible landscape in Santa Cruz County. Practical guide to designing a garden that's both beautiful and productive, with plant recommendations for our local climate.
What to Plant in Santa Cruz & the Bay Area in January
It's bare-root season! January is the perfect time to plant fruit trees, prune your roses, and prep your soil for a productive spring.
Mulberry Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Diagnose and fix common mulberry tree problems: yellow leaves, no fruit, popcorn disease, branch dieback, and more. Practical solutions for California gardeners.