Growing Dahlias in Santa Cruz County: The Crown Jewel of Late Summer Bouquets
Learn to grow stunning dahlias in Santa Cruz County. Variety selection, planting, care, and overwintering tips for our unique coastal climate.
What Plants Repel Mosquitoes in a California Garden?
Plants like rosemary and lavender contain mosquito-repelling oils, but crushing the leaves is necessary. Eliminating standing water is the real solution.
Growing Low-Chill Peaches and Nectarines in the San Lorenzo Valley
The San Lorenzo Valley flips the usual coastal peach problem on its head. Up in the redwood canyons and on the valley ridges, you actually bank more winter chill than the warm Banana Belt or the foggy coast, which opens up more peach varieties. But the valley trades that gift for
Composting Rules in Santa Cruz: SB 1383 and Green-Waste Made Simple
What SB 1383 means for Santa Cruz gardeners, plus City vs County curbside organics rules, what goes in the bin, the $40 compost rebate, and local workshops.
Understanding Frost Dates in Santa Cruz County
Learn accurate frost dates for your Santa Cruz County location. Microclimate-specific information for coastal, inland, and mountain areas, plus frost protection strategies.
Brassica Pests & Diseases in Santa Cruz County | Organic Solutions
Identify and manage brassica pests and diseases in Santa Cruz County. Cabbage worms, aphids, clubroot, and organic controls from UC IPM.
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.
Why Are My Blueberry Leaves Turning Yellow?
Work out why blueberry leaves are yellow, from soil pH to soggy roots, and choose the next step for your Santa Cruz garden.
Growing Sungold Cherry Tomatoes in the Coastal Fog Belt
If you garden along the immediate coast around Santa Cruz, Capitola, the Aptos shoreline, or out toward Davenport, this is the page that finally has good tomato news for you. Unlike a paste tomato, Sungold actually thrives in the fog.
Do Motion-Sensor Lights Actually Deter Predators?
Motion-sensor lights can help temporarily, but they are not a reliable long-term predator deterrent. Here is what actually works for Santa Cruz flocks.
How to Find the Sunniest Spot in Your Yard
Learn how to track sunlight in your Santa Cruz County yard. Practical methods for identifying the best garden location despite fog, redwoods, and changing seasons.