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To
everything there is a season. Our
Central Coast has a diversity of contrasting geography and
subclimates. We have cool, moisture-laden breezes near the
ocean and at the same time dry, still, hot summer
days inland. Numerous unique microclimates exist in between.
Because of this diversity, a broad spectrum of fruits, nuts,
vegetables, and fiber can be grown in our area over an extended
growing season. The coastal areas can plant earlier without
the risk of frost. The inland areas have the long hot days
that many crops need to thrive.
Harvest
dates are dependent upon recent weather conditions. Rainfall
directly affects timing. In wet years, a farmer may have to
wait until the fields are not soggy and ready to plant. Drought
years can cause poor or no germination and low yields. Warm
spells during the winter result in earlier orchard harvests.
An extended cold spell can delay plant maturity. Late frosts
can wipe out tender spring seedlings and necessitate replanting.
Too much or too little wind or rain directly affects honeybee
activity and, subsequently, pollination and honey production.
Fortunately most local farms are diversified. What might not
be beneficial weather or climate conditions for one crop or
location is a blessing to others.
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Year-round |
apple cider, beef, dried gourds, eggs, fiber, flowers, herbs, honey, lemons, nursery plants, olive oil, sprouts, wine |
| January |
leafy greens |
| February |
artichokes, asparagus, avocados, leafy greens |
| March |
artichokes, asparagus, avocados, leafy greens, snow peas, sugar snaps |
| April |
artichokes, asparagus, avocados, snow peas, leafy greens, strawberries,sugar snaps |
| May |
artichokes, asparagus, avocados, leafy greens, raspberries, snow peas, strawberries,sugar snaps |
| June |
artichokes, asparagus, avocados, blackberries, cucumbers, garlic, lavender, onions, peppers, plums, potatoes , raspberries, strawberries,summer squash, sweet corn, tomatoes |
| July |
apples, apricots, artichokes, blackberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, garlic, lavender, onions, oranges, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, pluots, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries,summer squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon |
| August |
apples, apricots, avocados, cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, garlic, lavender, melons, nectarines, onions, oranges, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, pluots, potatoes, raspberries, summer squash, sweet corn, table grapes, tomatoes, watermelon |
| September |
apples, Asian pears, avocados, cantaloupe, cucumbers, decorative corn, eggplant, figs, lavender, onions, oranges, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, pluots, popcorn, potatoes, quince, raspberries, summer squash, sweet corn, table grapes, tomatoes, watermelon, wine grapes |
| October |
apples, Asian pears, avocados, cantaloupe, cucumbers, decorative corn, decorative gourds, eggplant, figs, lavender, melons, onions, oranges, pears, peppers, pluots, popcorn, potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, table grapes, tomatoes, watermelon, wine grapes, winter squash |
| November |
apples, avocados, chestnuts, Christmas trees, decorative corn, decorative gourds, figs, onions, oranges, pears, persimmons, popcorn, potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, winter squash |
| December |
apples, chestnuts, Christmas trees, oranges, persimmons, winter squash |
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