Vegetables

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…

Direct seed or transplant: April–June For best results, wait to direct seed until daytime temperatures are regularly over 70°F and soil temperature is over 60°F. Direct-seeded beans will rot if the soil is too cold. Harvest window: 50–100 days depending on variety.

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.

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…

Napa cabbage is a large oblong cabbage with delicate, crinkled, pale green to white leaves and crisp, wide white ribs. Its flavor is mild and sweet. It is also known as Peking Cabbage and celery cabbage.

There are many herbs that grow well or even grow best in the cool season in Santa Clara County. Fall is also a great time to plant perennial herbs because it lets them get well established over our rainy season. Listed below are the herb seedlings that we will be offering.

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.

Transplant: February–April, September–October (possibly November) Direct seed: March–April (possibly February), September–October (possibly November) If growing from seed for transplants, allow 4 weeks to be ready. Harvest spinach as soon as the leaves are large enough to use.

When to plant: February–April (possibly May) Potatoes usually mature 90–120 days after planting (depending on the variety). You can harvest a few at a time and leave the rest until you are ready to eat them. When you "rob" potatoes—for smaller, more tender new potatoes—be careful not to damage the plant…