The soft morning sunshine, lengthening days, and that unmistakable earthy scent in the air — spring is whispering its invitation to begin again. For Central Coast gardeners, this is the moment. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or trying your first tomato plant on the patio, our farmers markets are the perfect places to begin.
Here’s what to keep in mind as you plant the season:
Shop the Starts
Now is the time to plant summer crops — and you’ll find healthy, locally grown starts from Cabrillo College Horticulture and other nursery vendors at the market. Look for vibrant little tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, beans, cucumbers, squash, and eggplant. Starting with well-rooted plants gives you a head start and supports small growers who know our region’s microclimates inside and out.
And don’t forget your herb garden: basil, tarragon, thyme, parsley, oregano, chives, and mint all thrive in the warming weather and add freshness to your meals straight from the garden.
Go for the Flowers, Too
Tuck in a few flowering starts like marigolds, lavender, sunflowers, zinnias, nasturtiums, or calendula — not only do they brighten your beds, but they also invite pollinators and help with pest control. Companion planting is real garden magic. You’ll find beautiful potted flowering plants at Cavanaugh Color Nursery and Pacific Rare Plant Nursery. You’ll find blooming flowers at McCahon Floral as well as beautiful exotic orchids at Bay Area Orchids.
Prepare and Feed the Soil
Before planting, take a moment to work in organic compost or worm castings — most market vendors have great advice on what to use. April’s moisture makes this an ideal time to nourish your soil. Healthy soil, healthy plants.
Container-Friendly Options
No yard? No problem. Many starts are perfect for pots or small raised beds. Market growers can help you choose varieties that thrive in containers, especially cherry tomatoes, herbs, and compact pepper plants. With a little sunshine and care, you’ll have a mini harvest of your own.
Ask Questions
One of the best parts of shopping starts at the market? You can talk to the growers. They’ll let you know which varieties do best in coastal fog or strong sun, what to plant together, and when to harvest. It’s like having your own personal garden coach — and every conversation helps keep our local growing community strong.
Spring is for Starting Something
Let your garden reflect the season — hopeful, abundant, and full of promise. Visit the farmers market this week and let your hands wander over the flats of fresh starts. Pick a few. Plant a few more. Grow something delicious, beautiful, or unexpected.
And once your starts are in the soil, don’t forget to linger. Step back. Sip a fresh cup of tea or coffee. Smell the citrus blossoms. Listen for bees. Spring isn’t just for doing — it’s for dreaming, too.
