Mustard is a member of the cabbage family. Like the others, they grow best in the cool season. Mustard comes in a variety of beautiful colors (green, red, purple) and textures (smooth, ruffled, lacy) making it very ornamental as well.
Celery is challenging to grow in most of Santa Clara County. It grows best at 60–65ºF though it will tolerate temperatures from 45–75ºF. But it is difficult to find a four-month growing period in Santa Clara County that stays within that temperature range.
Direct seed January–March (possibly April), September
Harvest when the roots reach 1-inch diameter at the top.
Expect 90–120 days to maturity.
Flavor is best when the mature plants are exposed to cool weather for 2–4 weeks which encourages the starches in the roots to convert to sugars.
Loosen soil with…
Onions can be divided into two categories: strong-flavored ones that store well and mild, sweet ones that don't last long in storage. There are yellow, white, and red varieties in both categories.
Start slip production in February–March
Transplant to garden May–June
Sweet potatoes are grown from 'slips' (sprouts from a sweet potato). Due to pest quarantines, most nursery companies cannot ship slips to California.
Transplant or direct seed: May–June.
Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold. For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly in the high 70s–80s°F and soil temperature is at least 65–70°F
Start in pots for transplants: April–May; ready to transplant in 4 weeks
There are two types of fennel:
Florence fennel, also called bulbing fennel: grown primarily for the bulb-like base of the stalks which is eaten as a vegetable. Leaves and seeds can also be harvested.
Common and bronze fennel: grown just for the seeds or foliage (they do not form succulent bulbs), but are…
Biennial monocot with prominent bulb, hollow cylindrical leaves and an odor when bruised. Roots shallow, 12-18" Has been used for food since very early times; was eaten in Egypt before 3000 B.C. Also used as flavoring in nearly every current world culture. Botanically, there are three groups. Many claims are…
We compared thirteen varieties of red looseleaf lettuce to determine the best production and taste. All of the varieties were very healthy and pretty to look at. Flame and Cardinale were judged the best at the tasting, Sunset and Bronze Arrow were tied for second and Susan’s Red Bibb was third. The very…
Transplant: May–June
For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 75°F
Start in pots for transplants: February–April; ready to transplant in 8 weeks
Harvest window: August–October, two to three months after transplanting, depending on variety.
