Do All Bees Sting? Why Your Garden Needs Them
Most of California's 1,600+ native bee species are gentle and many cannot sting. Your garden needs them for pollination. Here is why you should welcome them.
Growing Zucchini in the Pajaro Valley
If you garden in Watsonville, Corralitos, or anywhere in the south county where the fog burns off early, you have the county's warmest microclimate and its richest soil. Zucchini is wildly productive here. The trick is keeping up with it and managing real summer pest pressure.
Do Succulents Really Need Zero Maintenance?
Succulents are tough but not indestructible. They still need watering, drainage, and pest checks. Here is what zero-maintenance really means (and does not).
The Complete Guide to Growing Squash and Cucumbers in Santa Cruz County
Squash and cucumbers can turn a small patch of garden into an abundant summer harvest. Growing cucurbits in Santa Cruz County, from planting through the problems our climate creates.
Should You Use Wound Paste on Pruning Cuts?
Routine wound paste is not a substitute for suitable pruning cuts and timing. Follow tree- and disease-specific guidance when protection is recommended.
Growing Broccoli Rabe, Collards & Brassica Greens in Santa Cruz
Grow broccoli rabe, collard greens, kohlrabi, turnip greens, and mustard greens in Santa Cruz County. Year-round brassica greens for coastal California.
Bagged Soil vs. Bulk Soil: Which Is the Better Deal?
Bulk soil saves 40-60% over bagged soil when filling raised beds. Here is how to calculate what you need and find the best mix in Santa Cruz County.
Keeping Your Flock Cool in Santa Cruz County Summer Heat
How to prevent heat stress in backyard chickens, ducks, and geese in Santa Cruz County, CA: fog belt vs. inland heat, shade, water, and emergency response.
Growing Potatoes in the San Lorenzo Valley
If you garden under the redwoods of Felton, Ben Lomond, or Boulder Creek, potatoes are one of the more forgiving crops you can grow. They do not demand the blazing sun a tomato needs, they like the valley's cool air, and the main thing you have to read is your frost pockets and y
Should You Remove All Fallen Leaves From Your Garden?
Keep leaves where they support soil and habitat, while clearing paths, drainage and fire-sensitive areas. Check plant health before moving affected material.
What Companion Plants Work Well with Tomatoes in California?
Plan tomato companions that fit your Santa Cruz garden. Find room for basil, flowers and edible neighbors, with realistic advice on pest benefits.
Best Avocado Varieties for Santa Cruz County | Cold-Hardy Options
Compare cold-hardy avocado varieties for Santa Cruz County. Mexicola, Bacon, Fuerte, Hass, and more with flavor, cold tolerance, and microclimate fit.
How to Turn Under Cover Crops: Timing, Methods & Common Mistakes
Learn when and how to terminate cover crops. Chop-and-drop, mow, tarp, or incorporate. Avoid common mistakes that waste your cover crop investment.
Best Chicken Breeds for the Santa Cruz Fog Belt
A fog-belt breed guide for Santa Cruz backyard flocks: which breeds lay in low light, handle damp combs, stay quiet for urban lots, and which breeds to skip.
Corn Growth Stages: From Seed to Ear
The corn life cycle from germination through tasseling, silking, and ear fill, with the pollination details that make full ears.
Does Adding Sand to Clay Soil Improve Drainage?
Adding sand to clay soil sounds logical, but it can create a concrete-like mix that drains worse than before. Here is what actually works for California clay.
Growing Roma Tomatoes in the Santa Cruz Coastal Fog Belt
If you garden in the fog belt, from Davenport down through the Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos coast, Romas are a stretch here. You can grow them, but you have to stack the deck.
Does Pulling Weeds Make More Weeds Grow?
New weeds can emerge from buried seeds or regrow from underground parts. Identify the weed, limit unnecessary disturbance and choose suitable follow-up care.
Should You Prune All Fruit Trees Into a Vase Shape?
Choose fruit-tree training and pruning for the crop, fruiting wood and existing framework. A vase shape is not the right goal for every tree.