Ongoing research

Despite its name, winter squash is grown in the summer. The name comes from the fact that the mature fruits can be stored for winter eating. Pumpkins are a type of winter squash.

We compared thirteen varieties of red looseleaf lettuce to determine the best production and taste. All of the varieties were very healthy and pretty to look at. Flame and Cardinale were judged the best at the tasting, Sunset and Bronze Arrow were tied for second and Susan’s Red Bibb was third. The very…

Beans are a warm weather crop that comes in bush and pole varieties. Bush varieties generally produce sooner but may stop after a few flushes, while pole varieties will continue producing into the fall. Pole beans require tall supports (6 to 10-feet) that they can twine around.

Eggplants require warm to hot weather throughout the season for good production. Hot caps or row covers can be used to elevate temperatures. Planting in a container will also help in absorbing heat.

Peppers and chiles are warm weather lovers that range from sweet and mild to fiery hot. Transplant in May to June, possibly late April. For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 75°F. If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 8 weeks before you want to plant.

Lettuce is usually grown as a cool-season crop in Santa Clara County. If grown in the summer, it’s recommended to plant where it will get shade from other crops or trees and to select temperature-tolerant, slow-bolting varieties. Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant, which requires frequent watering when there…

Lettuce is usually grown as a cool-season crop in Santa Clara County. If grown in the summer, it’s recommended to plant where it will get shade from other crops or trees and to select temperature-tolerant, slow-bolting varieties. Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant, which requires frequent watering when there…

Onions can be divided into two categories: strong-flavored ones that store well and mild, sweet ones that don’t last long in storage. There are yellow, white, and red varieties in both categories.

Melons are heat lovers that need full sun and high temperatures. Black plastic or black landscaping fabric can be used to keep the soil warm and weed-free. Cover the plants with floating row covers to keep them warm and protected from pests. Remove the row covers when the plants start to blossom.

Melons are heat lovers that need full sun and high temperatures. Black plastic or black landscaping fabric can be used to keep the soil warm and weed-free. Cover the plants with floating row covers to keep them warm and protected from pests. Remove the row covers when the plants start to blossom.