Adrienne Gaughan 4/29/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/29/26

Watermelon Growth Stages: From Seed to Harvest

The watermelon life cycle from germination through vining, flowering, and fruit fill, with how to tell when one is ripe.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/29/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/29/26

The Best Houseplants for Beginners in California

Forgiving houseplants matched to real California indoor light. Beginner picks like snake plant, pothos, and ZZ plant, plus clear light and pet-safety notes.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/29/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/29/26

Are Beer Traps Really the Best Slug Control?

Beer traps can catch nearby slugs, but need upkeep. Monitor plant damage and combine suitable controls rather than relying on one trap.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/27/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/27/26

Copper Tape vs. Iron Phosphate for Slugs

Iron phosphate bait kills slugs across your entire garden while copper tape only deters them from climbing. Here is why Santa Cruz gardeners need both tools.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/27/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/27/26

Best California Native Plants for a Small Garden in Santa Cruz County

The best compact California native plants for small Santa Cruz County yards. Water-wise, wildlife-friendly picks for sun and shade that stay in scale.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/25/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/25/26

Is Fall Too Late to Plant in California?

Fall suits many cool-season crops and landscape plants. Choose timing for the species, frost risk, drainage, heat and available water.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/24/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/24/26

Beneficial Insects vs. Pesticides for Aphids

Beneficial insects provide self-sustaining aphid control while pesticides require constant reapplication. Here is why Santa Cruz gardeners should go biological.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/23/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/23/26

Container Garden vs. Raised Bed for Beginners

Raised beds grow more food with less daily maintenance while containers work for renters and small spaces. Here is how beginners should choose in Santa Cruz.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/23/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/23/26

Can I Grow Avocados in Santa Cruz County?

Yes, you can grow avocados in Santa Cruz County with the right variety and microclimate. Learn which cold-hardy varieties work, when to plant by zone, and how to protect young trees from frost.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/22/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/22/26

Pumpkin Growth Stages: From Seed to Jack-o'-Lantern

How a pumpkin grows in California, from seed and vine through flowering, fruit set, and the long ripening to a hard orange shell.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/22/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/22/26

Are Banana Peels a Good Garden Fertilizer?

Banana peels belong in managed compost, not a measured fertilizer plan. Check what your plants need before adding potassium or other nutrients.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/21/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/21/26

Growing Roma Tomatoes in the Santa Cruz Banana Belt

If you garden in the county's warm sunny pocket, the hill belts above the fog around Soquel, Aptos, and the sunnier side of Santa Cruz, this is the good news page. The Banana Belt is the best place in Santa Cruz County to grow a Roma.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/21/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/21/26

Growing Ranunculus in the Santa Cruz Banana Belt

If you garden in the county's warm sunny pocket, the hill belts above the fog around Soquel, Aptos, and the sunnier side of Santa Cruz, ranunculus is a good and rewarding crop here, with one small adjustment for your extra warmth.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/21/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/21/26

Should You Water Your Lawn Every Day in Summer?

Set lawn irrigation from grass type, soil, weather and measured sprinkler output. Adjust for your Santa Cruz site and current water-provider rules.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/19/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/19/26

Should You Water Your Garden Every Day in Summer?

Check roots, soil and weather before watering. Match summer irrigation to established beds, containers and new plants in your Santa Cruz garden.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/17/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/17/26

Do You Need to Till Your Soil Every Spring?

Prepare Santa Cruz garden beds with less disturbance. Assess soil needs before tilling, and choose compost or cultivation for a specific purpose.

Adrienne Gaughan 4/17/26 Adrienne Gaughan 4/17/26

Bare-Root vs. Container Fruit Trees: Best Value?

Bare-root fruit trees cost 30-50% less and establish faster than container trees. Here is how to choose the right buying option for your Santa Cruz garden.