Succession Planting Cut Flowers for Continuous Blooms
One planting is never enough for a steady supply of cut flowers. Succession planting keeps blooms coming from spring through fall.
Growing Gboma Eggplant in Santa Cruz County: A Leafy Green You Haven't Tried
Gboma eggplant is grown primarily for its nutritious leaves, not its fruit. This West African vegetable produces abundant greens all summer and handles Santa Cruz County's mild temperatures well.
Why Rosemary Thrives in Santa Cruz (Almost Too Well)
Rosemary may be the most forgiving herb you can grow in Santa Cruz County. This aromatic Mediterranean shrub thrives on neglect, produces year-round harvests, and lives for decades with minimal care. Here's everything you need to know about growing rosemary successfully, including important fire safety considerations for mountain properties.
Growing Heritage Apples in the San Lorenzo Valley
The San Lorenzo Valley is good heritage apple country, with one important rule: get the tree onto a sunny ridge or upper slope. The valley's cool winters bank plenty of the chill apples need, and its classic varieties thrive here. The catch is the shade. Apples want sun, and this
Can I Grow Lettuce and Greens Outdoors All Winter in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz winters are ideal for leafy greens. Lettuce, kale, and chard thrive in cool weather and taste sweeter after frost.
Growing Strawflowers in Santa Cruz County: The Everlasting Cut Flower
Strawflowers are the ultimate low-maintenance cut flower. They grow easily in Santa Cruz, look stunning fresh, and dry beautifully for arrangements that last months.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Every gardener makes mistakes, but some are predictable and avoidable. Learn the ten most common beginner mistakes in Santa Cruz County gardens and how to prevent them before you start.
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.
Do I Need to Protect My Plants from Frost on the California Coast?
Coastal Santa Cruz rarely freezes, but inland valleys see regular frost. Use frost cloth (not plastic) and know your microclimate.
Growing Romaine Lettuce in the San Lorenzo Valley
If you garden under the redwoods of Felton, Ben Lomond, or Boulder Creek, you know the frustration of growing fruiting crops in dappled shade. Lettuce is the happy exception. For a cool-season green, the valley's shade is not a problem to overcome. It is an asset.
Why Are My Chickens Eating Their Own Eggs?
Egg eating usually starts by accident, then spreads as a habit. Here are the real causes and how to stop chickens eating their own eggs.
Why Did My Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
Chickens stop laying for several common reasons. Learn the most likely causes and what to check first in your Santa Cruz County backyard flock.
Predator-Proofing Your Flock in Santa Cruz County
Protect your backyard chickens, ducks, and geese from raccoons, foxes, weasels, ringtail cats, and hawks in Santa Cruz County with proven defense strategies.
Growing Celosia in Santa Cruz County: Bold Texture for Warm Season Bouquets
Celosia brings bold color and unique texture to summer bouquets. Here is how to grow it successfully in Santa Cruz County's microclimates.
How Do I Improve Heavy Clay Soil in California?
Compost is the best amendment for clay soil. Work it in when the soil is dry, add more each fall, and never mix in sand without enough organic matter.
Growing Heritage Apples in the Pajaro Valley
There is no better place in California to grow a heritage apple than the Pajaro Valley. A century ago, the orchards around Watsonville were among the most important apple-growing ground on the planet, and the valley still carries that legacy in its soil, its climate, and its tree
Growing Southern Highbush Blueberries in the San Lorenzo Valley
If you garden in Felton, Ben Lomond, or Boulder Creek, you have quietly been handed the best blueberry soil in Santa Cruz County. The acidic redwood ground that frustrates so many other crops is exactly what blueberries want.
Growing Figs in Santa Cruz County: The Easiest Fruit Tree for Local Gardens
Figs are the easiest fruit tree for Santa Cruz gardens. Learn which varieties thrive in coastal fog and inland heat, plus planting and care tips.
Growing Beans and Peas in Santa Cruz County: Easy Protein from Your Garden
Beans and peas are some of the most rewarding crops for Santa Cruz gardens. They are easy to grow, improve your soil, and produce abundantly with minimal care.
Sensory Garden for Babies and Toddlers: Engaging Little Ones in the Garden
You don't have to wait until your kids can walk to start gardening together. Babies and toddlers are sensory learners, and Santa Cruz County gardens offer textures, scents, and tastes that create powerful early memories. Learn which plants are safe to explore and simple activities for ages 0-3.