UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties

Our northern California coastal climate allows us to grow vegetables all year round. In contrast to many parts of the country, where gardens and gardeners are in hibernation, fall is also one of the best times to start winter planting and get a head start on spring planting.

With Halloween just around the corner, it's a good time to think about doing something a little different with your garden. How about adding drama and seasonal color with dark and mysterious plants? Here are five fascinating varieties that look exotic and also do well in our cooler coastal climate.

Hugelculture? The name (pronounced hoo-gull kul-toor) sounds like it might be a new type of yogurt or maybe an exotic fermented beverage but it's neither of those things.

Growing more fruits and vegetables than your family can eat is a great gardening problem to have. What did you grow last year that you shared with others? You probably won't have to think very long, because sharing is powerful, makes everyone happy, and creates lasting memories.

We're learning a lot about micro-climates and how small variations in temperature, humidity, wind, and other factors determine what grows best in a particular location.