Learn
CATEGORIES
- Beginner Gardening
- California Gardening
- Companion Planting
- Container Gardening
- Edible Gardening
- Fire-Wise Gardening
- Food Safety
- Garden Myth Buster
- Garden Planning
- Garden Question of the Week
- Gardening with Kids
- Getting Started
- Grow Guides
- Growing Guides
- Herbs
- How-To Guides
- Indoor Gardening
- Microclimates
- Microgreens and Indoor Growing
- Monthly Garden Checklist
- Nutrition
- Planning & Planting
- Plant Problems
- Seasonal Gardening
- Seasonal Planting
- Succulents
- This vs. That
- Water-Wise Gardening
- Wildlife and Pest Management
When to Plant Peppers in Santa Cruz County: Get the Timing Right
The pepper transplants appear at nurseries in March, but planting them immediately is a mistake in Santa Cruz County. Our cool soil and cold nights can permanently stunt peppers planted too early. This guide explains exactly when to plant peppers in each microclimate for the best results.
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.
How to Grow Blueberries in Pots (California Edition)
Growing blueberries in pots is often the best approach in California. Container size, soil mix, and care tips for productive potted blueberries.
Best Mulberry Varieties for Coastal California (And Which to Plant in Santa Cruz County)
Compare mulberry varieties for Santa Cruz County: Pakistan for sweetness, Black Beauty for flavor, Illinois Everbearing for long harvest, plus dwarf options for small spaces.
How to Prune Raspberries: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pruning is the single most confusing part of growing raspberries, but it doesn't have to be. Once you understand how primocane and floricane raspberries grow, you can prune with confidence and dramatically improve your harvests. This visual guide covers the simple one-crop method for primocane varieties (easiest), the two-crop system for extended harvest, and selective pruning for summer-bearing floricane types, with timing specific to Santa Cruz County's climate.
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.
Growing Mulberries in Santa Cruz County: The Overlooked Backyard Superfruit
Discover why mulberries are the perfect low-maintenance fruit tree for Santa Cruz County. Variety guide, planting tips, and harvesting advice for California gardeners
5 Microclimates That Shape Every Santa Cruz Garden
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.
Organic Pest Control in Santa Cruz County: What Works
Learn how to manage garden pests organically in Santa Cruz County. Discover natural, chemical-free methods that protect pollinators, soil, and crops.
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.
California Gardeners' Guide to Freebies: Save Big and Grow More
Transform your California garden without breaking the bank! Our guide reveals the top free and affordable resources available to gardeners in the Golden State. From free seeds and plants to invaluable gardening advice, learn how to make the most of local swaps, community programs, and online platforms. Dive in and garden smarter, not harder, in California.
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.
From Soil Health to Water Conservation: Sustainable Land Management Tips for Every Gardener
Learn sustainable land management for Santa Cruz County gardens. Build healthy soil with compost, conserve water with drip irrigation and mulch, choose California native plants, and practice organic pest control. Practical tips for Bay Area gardeners.
Why Native Garden Design is Essential for Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Discover the benefits of native garden design for eco-friendly landscaping. Learn how native plants can conserve water, support local wildlife, and enhance the beauty of your garden
Drip Irrigation Setup for Santa Cruz County Gardens: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste by up to 70% compared to sprinklers. Here's how to set up a system for your Santa Cruz County vegetable garden.
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.
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.