Santa Clara

When to plant: January–March (bareroot) Harvest window: October–November, depending on variety Fertilization: Regular nitrogen feeding during first half of growing season Provide sturdy trellis or arbor for the wide-spreading (up to 30 feet) deciduous vine.

Monthly tips are categorized by To-Dos, What to Plant, or Pests and Diseases. Scroll through the list to see items in each category. Also, refer to our list of tips useful for any month.

Direct seed May–June (possibly April and July). Plant every 2–3 weeks for successive harvest (or when the most recent seedlings have 3–4 leaves). Sweet corn is ready for harvest about 17 to 24 days after the first silk strands appear, more quickly in hot weather, more slowly in cool weather.

We compared 12 varieties of long beans, Vigna unguiculata, to determine which ones have the best production and the best flavor for growing here in Santa Clara County. Chinese Green Noodle was the most productive variety by far and was the favorite in the first tasting for its very tender, mild pods. Chinese…

Collards are a cool season vegetable grown for their leaves. They do not form a head like cabbage. Direct seed or transplant February–April (maybe May) or September-October (maybe August). If growing from seed for transplanting, expect six weeks for the plants to be ready.

Turnips are a cool season root vegetable that grow best between 50–65°F. Higher temperatures may produce strong-flavored roots. The leaves are also edible and are referred to as "turnip greens".

Starting seeds in pots can give your vegetables, herbs, and flowers a head start before being transplanted into the garden. This makes it possible to enjoy earlier harvests and earlier blooms. Sturdy transplants can better withstand pests, diseases, and difficult weather.

Review Growing Great Tomatoes before planting your seedlings. Harden off your seedlings by gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions for 4 to 7 days before transplanting into the ground. Start by placing the plants in a sheltered location like a covered patio.

German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is the most commonly grown variety for chamomile blossoms. The plant produces fragrant flowers all summer long. The small, white daisy-like flowers have a pleasant pineapple flavor. They also attract beneficial insects and are self-seeding. The dried flowers are…

Saffron is a spice that comes from the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus. This fall flowering crocus is distinct from the ornamental spring flowering crocuses. It also must not be confused with the similar but toxic fall flowering Colchicums. The only part used for the spice are the tiny stigmas of the flowers…