Annual flowers live fast—growing, blooming, and often fading within a single season. But many gardeners don’t realize that some “annuals” are actually tender perennials in warm climates, and a surprising number can survive winter with the right protection. After gardening in both mild Sonoma Valley winters and cold Iowa Zone 5 winters, I’ve learned which…
Frost, freezing temperatures, and harsh winter winds can damage or kill fruit plants, especially tender trees, brambles, and small fruits. Protective coverings such as frost cloths, row covers, and temporary shelters provide an effective barrier, reducing desiccation, bud damage, and frost injury. Drawing on decades of gardening experience in both mild and cold USDA zones,…
Freezing weather affects flower beds in every climate zone—just in different ways. In mild-winter areas like Sonoma Valley, cold snaps bring frost, saturated soil, and occasional ice. In colder regions like Iowa Zone 5, deep freezes, long-lasting snow, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can damage roots and heave plants out of the soil. After gardening in…
Brambles—raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries—are hardy plants, but winter can still pose challenges. Cold temperatures, frost, snow, and fluctuating moisture can damage canes and buds if left unprotected. After decades of gardening in both Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed practical strategies to help brambles survive winter in both mild and cold USDA zones….
Tender perennials—plants that grow year after year in warm climates but can’t survive freezing temperatures—require extra care to make it through winter. After gardening in both mild Sonoma Valley winters and harsh Iowa Zone 5 winters, I’ve learned that overwintering these plants is completely manageable with the right approach. Whether you dig and store them…
Young and newly planted fruit trees are especially vulnerable during their first winter because their roots are undeveloped and less resilient. Frost, freezing winds, and fluctuating moisture can stress or damage them, reducing their chances of survival and strong spring growth. Drawing on decades of gardening experience in both Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5,…
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