I'm new to vegetable gardening and live in California (Bay Area). I'd like to start a vegetable garden, but, there are so many plants to choose from. What do you recommend for a beginner ? I was also trying to buy some compost today and couldn't find any. Any advice for a good nursery around here, or the type of compost to look for.
I used to garden in Oakland and Hayward. Now I garden in Sacramento. I'll soon be moving from this lovely state though. Anyway, welcome aboard.
First of all, pick some things you like to eat. Then, tell me whereabout in the bay area you are living. It's hard to grow tomatoes and extremely hard to grow melons if you live in San Francisco, but you can grow them easily across the bay in San Leandro or Hayward. There are so many climate changes around the bay. You can also look into the Sunset series of gardening books. They have tons of info for western gardeners. You can also call the uc county cooperative extension office for your area. Here's a link to get more info:
Thanks for your advices. I leave in Mountain View. The landlady told us that someone grew a organic garden before us in the place we are renting, so, the weather must be okay here. My other problem is that we will be away for 3 weeks this summer (in August), so, I don't want to grow something that will go to waste !
Do you plan on growing in containers or in the ground?
Either way, you can set up a drip system (or enlist a friend) to water in the summer when you go away.
As for missing a harvest... most vegies keep on producing and producing. Things like tomatoes and bell peppers, chili peppers, beans, will all keep growing.
Members of the squash family grow well all summer too, but need picked every few days or the squash get huge and the plant will stop making new fruit. Those you can get a friend to pick.
Are your summers hot there? If so, all the warm weather crops will grow fine. Or are you under fog much of the summer? If foggy, grow cool season things like peas, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce.
Oh, root crops will do fine with either conditions.
I am over on the coast but used to live in Mountain View. The Santa Clara Valley used to be called The Valley of Heart's Delight, because just about anything you put in the ground will grow and grow and grow....so you will have a great time.
The only difference about living near the ocean is that the nights are cool, so tomatoes that can take some cool nights are your best bet, watermelons don't get quite enough heat....the local nurseries will have the best kinds. I noticed that the Summer Winds nursery on San Antonio and Middlefield has some interesting heirloom varieties.
Do you know about the wonderful nurseries on Highway 92 going over the Half Moon Bay? They have great varieties of vegetables that grow well in the local conditions. Also, on the east end of the Dumbarton Bridge is Reagan's nursery, just cross over the 880 freeway and it's on the right side a few blocks past 880. It has its own light into the parking lot.
these are most easily reached NOT during commute times!!
I've had good luck with Mortgage Lifter heirloom tomatoes, the yellow pear tomatoes, Ace, Early Girl. Everything else does really well, so enjoy!
---------------------- Life goes on within you and without you - George Harrison
Posts: 554 | Location: desperately protecting 2 acres from the critters, coastal California | Registered: February 11, 2002
For native CA plants, try the yerba buena nursery off Skyline (35) between Woodside Rd and Page Mill Rd. There's a demonstration garden so you get to see the plants in their full-grown beauty and avoid buying things that won't fit in your garden.
As for veggies...I'm a new CA gardener too and learned the hard way basil is unhappy near the coast. Good luck and happy salad!
Anyway, welcome aboard.
