Ongoing research

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carrots
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Carrots in the Home Garden — 2004

The carrot study consisted of growing 14 varieties of carrots in three different soil textures and compositions. There were several objectives for the study: Determine the best germination method for planting seeds.
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All 11 varieties that produced, on 9/7/07
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Long Bean Trial — 2007

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…
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Round purple-red roots, red stems, green leaves
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Beets

Beets are a root crop with edible leaves. They grow well in the cool season, so are best planted in the fall or spring. Direct seed 4 to 6 inches apart in March to April or August to September; possibly in February, May, and October depending on weather and local conditions. Transplant 4 to 6 inches apart in…
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Young spinach rosette
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Spinach

Spinach is a cool weather leafy green, good for eating raw in salads or for cooking. They bolt (send up a flower stalk) quickly in warm weather, so are best grown in the cool season in Santa Clara County.
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Garlic-Mexican-Red-Silver-MG-Kathy-Kaplan
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Garlic

There are two main types of garlic: softneck, which produces numerous smaller cloves, and hardneck, which has fewer, larger cloves surrounding a stalk or “scape”. Elephant garlic is not a true garlic (more closely related to leeks), but its cultivation is similar to that of true garlics. It has very large,…
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Cauliflowers Graffiti (purple), Romanesco (green), and Snowball (white)
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a cool season vegetable, best planted in the fall or early spring. The part that we harvest is actually a dense cluster of flower buds.
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Veg-Broccoli-Belstar-MG-Jim-Lai
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cool season vegetable in the brassica (cabbage) family. The part we harvest is the immature flower head plus a portion of the stem.
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Bok Choy, Donna Lee
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Bok Choy

Bok choy is a fast growing leafy green with thick, fleshy ribs, popular in Asian cuisine. It is in the brassica (cabbage) family. Best grown in the cool season, fall into winter or early spring.
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Bok Choy, Donna Lee
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Bok Choy

Bok choy is a fast growing leafy green with thick, fleshy ribs, popular in Asian cuisine. It is in the brassica (cabbage) family. Best grown in the cool season, fall into winter or early spring.
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Veg-Cabbage-Caraflex-MG-Susan-Casner-Kay
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Cabbage

Transplant seedlings in February to April or August to September; possibly October depending on weather and local conditions. Spacing depends on variety. Harvest as soon as they reach maturity (the head is firm and has reached an acceptable size). Leaving them in the garden too long may result in bolting or…
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