What are the best vegetables to plant in Santa Cruz?

Question

I would like to start a small vegetable garden and I just moved here. I was curious if anyone was framiliar with the Coastal Califoria Climate.

Answer 1

Are you really in Santa Cruz? There's actually a big climate difference between central Santa Cruz County and its northern & southern ends.

My best recommendation is that you visit the farmer's market at Cabrillo College on Saturday mornings. That will give you a good example of the hugely various produce that grows well here.

On a regional level, you may have noticed that Castroville is the "Artichoke Capital of the World", and Gilroy is famous for its garlic. Also, if you drive between Watsonville and Monterey, you'll see lots of farms with broccoli, brussels sprouts and strawberries. Many of my friends also have tomatoes, corn and zuchini in their gardens, which are soooo much better than the stuff you can find in the grocery stores.

There are also a few community gardens that you could visit to see what's growing well...the gardeners might also have good advice for you! The one that comes to my mind quickest, is at the end of Trescony Street, just off Mission (one block south of Bay). Best of luck!

Answer 2

You can grow just about anything. Tender leafy greens may be seasonal, but with some protection and the right variety even they will work. Check out www.burpee.com. As for lettuces that take heat, black seeded Simpson or red oakleaf will hold up early summer and late late summer. You are blessed with a great climate, just rig your irrigation system up BEFORE you plant. You'll need it all year long.