Growing Cabbage in Santa Cruz County | Green, Red, Savoy & Napa
How to grow cabbage in Santa Cruz County. Green, red, savoy, and napa varieties, planting times, head splitting prevention, and storage tips.
Do You Need to Rotate Crops in a Home Garden?
Crop rotation matters on farms, but moving tomatoes 4 feet in a raised bed does not break disease cycles. Soil health and sanitation matter more at home.
When Should I Start Tomato Seeds Indoors on the California Coast?
Mid-February is the sweet spot for starting tomato seeds indoors on the California coast. Start too early and seedlings outgrow their pots before soil is warm.
Succulent Problems in Coastal California | Rot, Pests & Fixes
Diagnose and fix common succulent problems in coastal California. Root rot, mealybugs, etiolation, sunburn, and other issues with practical solutions.
Does Mulch Really Attract Termites to Your Home?
Mulch does not attract termites, but piling it against your foundation creates moisture conditions they love. Here is how to mulch safely near your home.
Garlic Growth Stages: From Clove to Bulb
The garlic life cycle from fall planting through winter roots, spring leaves, scapes, and the summer harvest of a cured bulb.
Growing Zucchini in the Santa Cruz Coastal Fog Belt
If you garden along the immediate coast around Santa Cruz, Capitola, the Aptos flats, or out toward Davenport, zucchini is absolutely workable here. It just grows on the fog belt's slower clock, and powdery mildew is the foe to plan around.
How Do I Protect Free-Range Birds From Hawks?
Hawks are a real threat to free-range chickens and ducks. Practical strategies for protecting your backyard flock in Santa Cruz County.
Growing Potatoes in the Santa Cruz Coastal Fog Belt
If you garden in the immediate coastal band, the foggy strip through Santa Cruz, Capitola, the Aptos coast, and out toward Davenport, potatoes are a satisfying and forgiving crop for you. They want the cool spring weather the marine layer hands you, and they reward a little hilli
Does More Fertilizer Mean More Fruit?
Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, pushes plants to grow leaves instead of fruit. Learn the signs of over-fertilizing and how much is really enough.
Succulent Container Gardens in California | Design, Soil & Care
Create stunning succulent container gardens in California. Expert tips on soil mix, container selection, design, and year-round care for coastal climates.
5 Garden Science Experiments Kids Can Do This Summer
Fun, hands-on garden science experiments for kids. Grow plants, test soil, observe insects, and learn about nature in your Santa Cruz backyard this summer.
12 Vegetables Every Beginner Should Grow in California
Discover the 12 easiest vegetables to grow in California, with variety picks, planting tips, and zone-specific advice from a Santa Cruz gardener.
10 Best Companion Plants for Cucumbers in California
Discover 10 proven companion plants for cucumbers, including trellis partners, ground covers, and pest deterrents. California-specific timing and spacing from a Santa Cruz gardener.
12 Best Companion Plants for Strawberries in California
Discover 12 proven companion plants for strawberries that deter slugs, improve flavor, and attract pollinators. California-specific tips from a Santa Cruz gardener with 20 years of experience.
12 Companion Plants That Boost Pepper Plants in California
Discover 12 proven companion plants for peppers, including pest deterrents, pollinator attractors, and shade providers. California-specific timing and spacing from a Santa Cruz gardener.
Does Watering in the Sun Burn Plant Leaves?
Water droplets on leaves do not focus sunlight and do not cause burns. Research debunked this myth. There are better reasons to water in the morning.
How to Propagate Succulents | Leaves, Cuttings & Division Guide
Learn how to propagate succulents from leaves, cuttings, and division. Santa Cruz timing tips, rooting methods, and aftercare for coastal California.
How to Grow a Sunflower Fort (A Living Playhouse for Kids)
Grow a living sunflower fort or playhouse with your kids. Step-by-step planting guide for California, with bean teepees, gourd tunnels, and corn mazes for fa...
Growing Asian Greens in Santa Cruz
Asian greens are among the fastest and easiest crops for Santa Cruz gardens. Most go from seed to harvest in 30 to 45 days and thrive in our cool weather.