Vegetables

When to plant: February–April (possibly May) Harvest window 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…

Garden Help > VegetablesUC Links Pest management: Mustard is in the cabbage family, and pests are similar across the family. This group is also known as cole crops or brassicas and includes broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.The BasicsMustard is a member of the cabbage family. Like the others,…

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…

 Garlic and shallots grow beautifully over the winter in Santa Clara County. Plant garlic and long-season shallots in the fall for harvesting in June–July. Be sure to choose a spot where you can withhold water for the last several weeks since the bulbs need to dry out as they mature. Fast growing Dutch…

Garden Help > VegetablesUC Links How to grow: Spinach, UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center Pest management: Spinach cultural tips, pests, and diseasesThe BasicsWhen to plantTransplant: February–April, September–October (possibly November)Direct seed: March–April (possibly…

When to plant 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 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.

Organic Certification, Farm Planning, Management, and Marketing, UC ANR Publication 7247 Postharvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables, Appropriate production practices, careful harvesting, and proper packaging, storage, and transport all contribute to good produce quality.

Garden Help > VegetablesUC Links Harvesting, storing and using garlic: Garlic: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve, and EnjoyPest management: Garlic cultural tips, pests, and diseases The BasicsWhen to plant: Late fall, at least two weeks before the first frost (mid-October through end of November…

Garden Help > VegetablesUC LinksHow to grow: Fava BeansThe Basics Fava beans (Vicia faba), sometimes called broad beans, grow well as a cool season crop in Santa Clara County. (Most other beans require warm weather.) Favas are also often grown as a cover crop because of their ability to add…