Welcome.I write these monthly garden almanacs from my garden in Sonoma Valley, where vegetables and herbs grow year-round and the seasons unfold gradually rather than abruptly. This Garden Almanac is a month-by-month record of what I’m doing in the garden, what I’m observing, and how I make decisions—based on more than 30 years of growing…
December is the quietest month in the garden, a time for reflection, planning, and protecting what you have. In most zones, growth slows dramatically, frost is likely, and sowing is limited. But in mild climates, winter greens can still be planted, and soil preparation now will give you a head start in spring. This month…
Soil testing is the first step toward a thriving vegetable garden. Knowing your soil’s nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content allows you to make targeted, regenerative amendments that improve fertility, structure, and plant health. With decades of hands-on experience gardening in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that interpreting soil tests and…
November is the month when the garden settles into winter mode. In most regions, planting slows or stops altogether, and the focus turns to protecting crops, caring for soil, and harvesting what remains. In mild climates, however, November is still an active planting window for cool-season vegetables that will mature through winter and early spring….
October is the month when the garden clearly moves into its cool-season rhythm. Growth slows, daylight fades, and protection becomes just as important as planting. In many regions, October is less about starting new crops and more about supporting the ones already in the ground—while in warmer zones, it remains a prime window for winter…
September is a true turning point in the vegetable garden. Days shorten, nights cool, and growth begins to slow. This is the month to shift from summer maintenance to thoughtful transition—clearing space, restoring soil, and helping fall crops establish strong roots. 1. Adjust Watering as Temperatures Cool Water needs begin to change. Overwatering can become…
Subscribe today to get our weekly recipe newsletter! You don’t want to miss out!
