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The 3 Best Bulk Soils for Santa Cruz County Vegetable Gardens (And Where to Get Them)
Building raised beds or amending your garden? Buying soil by the bag gets expensive fast. Here are the three best bulk soil options in Santa Cruz County, where to get them, and how to choose the right one for your garden.
Growing Sprouts at Home Safely: Alfalfa, Mung Bean, and More
Learn to grow sprouts at home safely with proper sanitation. Covers alfalfa, mung bean, lentil, broccoli sprouts plus FDA and UC food safety guidelines.
Growing Meyer Lemons in Santa Cruz County
Meyer lemons are the most popular backyard citrus in Santa Cruz County. With the right site and care, they produce fruit nearly year-round.
Native Plants for Pollinators in Santa Cruz County
Best California native plants for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in Santa Cruz County. Create a thriving pollinator garden with local natives.
Fire-Wise Raised Bed Materials and Placement
Raised beds are a Santa Cruz County gardening staple, but not all materials are equal when it comes to fire safety. Learn which raised bed materials resist fire, where to place beds within defensible space zones, and how to design a productive garden that also protects your home
Best Citrus Varieties for Santa Cruz Microclimates
Not all citrus varieties handle Santa Cruz County's cool coastal climate equally. Here are the best picks for each microclimate zone.
Growing a Cut Flower Garden in Santa Cruz County: A Complete Guide
Plan your Santa Cruz County cutting garden with this complete guide. Learn which flowers thrive in coastal vs inland microclimates, when to plant, and how to harvest.
Best Berries to Grow in Santa Cruz County: 5 Top Picks for Coastal Gardens
Santa Cruz County's mild temperatures and coastal influence create ideal conditions for growing berries. These five varieties thrive here, producing abundant harvests with the right care.
Growing Citrus in Santa Cruz County: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't)
Citrus can thrive in Santa Cruz County, but not every variety and not every location. Here is an honest look at what works and what to skip.
Carrot Troubleshooting Guide: Pests, Diseases, and Growing Problems in Santa Cruz County
From forked roots to vanishing plants, this guide diagnoses every carrot problem and provides local solutions for Santa Cruz County gardens.
Ollas: Ancient Irrigation That's Perfect for Santa Cruz Gardens
California's dry summers demand water-wise irrigation, and ollas offer an elegant 4,000-year-old solution. These unglazed clay pots buried in your garden slowly release water directly to plant roots, using 50 to 70 percent less water than surface irrigation. Perfect for Santa Cruz County's Mediterranean climate, ollas work in foggy Aptos, clay soil in Soquel, or sandy soil in Boulder Creek. Learn how to install, use, and even make your own DIY ollas.
Hand Pollinating Squash for Better Yields in Santa Cruz Gardens
Poor pollination is the number one reason for misshapen or aborted squash fruit. Hand pollination takes 30 seconds per flower and dramatically improves yields.
The Fall Gardener's Guide to Planting Garlic in Santa Cruz County
When and how to plant garlic in Santa Cruz County. Fall planting timeline by microclimate, step-by-step technique, and common mistakes to avoid.
Fruit Tree Troubleshooting: Why Your Tree Won't Fruit and How to Fix It
Discover why your fruit tree isn't producing and how to fix it. Common causes include chill hours, pollination, pruning mistakes, and more.
Powdery Mildew on Squash: Prevention and Treatment for Santa Cruz Gardens
Powdery mildew hits nearly every squash garden eventually. These prevention strategies and organic treatments keep plants productive longer.
Mulch and Soil Health: The Hidden Irrigation System in Your Santa Cruz County Garden
Mulch and healthy soil act like hidden irrigation, keeping moisture in your garden longer between waterings. Learn how much mulch to use and how to build soil that holds water in Santa Cruz County.
Solving Common Garlic and Onion Problems in Santa Cruz County
Fix garlic and onion problems in Santa Cruz County. Solutions for small bulbs, rust, bolting, pests like gophers, and storage issues with expert local advice.
Best Strawberry Varieties for Santa Cruz County
A deep dive into strawberry varieties that thrive in Santa Cruz County, with recommendations matched to your specific microclimate.
10 Plants to Avoid in Your Garden If You Have Kids or Pets
Many beautiful garden plants are surprisingly toxic to children and pets. Before you plant (or if you're moving into a home with an established garden), know which common Santa Cruz County plants pose risks and what to grow instead.
Squash Vine Borer Prevention in Santa Cruz County
Squash vine borers can kill healthy plants seemingly overnight. These prevention strategies protect your squash crop before damage starts.