Fruit trees face unique stresses in winter, including freezing temperatures, frost, snow, wind, and fluctuating moisture. Proper winter preparation protects roots, bark, and buds, reduces disease, and ensures vigorous spring growth. After decades of gardening in both Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed practical strategies for mulching, pruning, and protecting fruit trees that…
Snow and ice can weigh heavily on shrubs and trees, bending branches, breaking stems, and causing long-term structural damage. After more than 30 winters gardening in Sonoma Valley—and dealing with everything from wet snow to freezing rain—I’ve learned that the way you handle winter storms can make the difference between a spring full of healthy…
Newly planted shrubs and trees face their first winter with undeveloped root systems and little natural resilience. Cold temperatures, wind, frost, and fluctuating moisture levels can stress or even kill young plants. After decades of gardening in Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed practical techniques to help newly planted shrubs and trees survive…
Perennials are some of the toughest plants in the garden, but winter brings challenges in every climate. In mild zones, plants face heavy rain, cool soil, and short cold snaps; in colder regions, they must withstand deep freezes, snow cover, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. After more than 30 years growing perennials in both warm zones…
Container-grown shrubs and trees are more vulnerable to winter stress than in-ground plants because their roots are exposed to fluctuating temperatures and drying winds. After decades of gardening in Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve learned practical strategies to protect container plants in both warm and cold climates. With careful placement, insulation, watering, and…
Pruning shrubs and trees before winter helps prevent damage, reduces disease risk, and encourages healthy growth in spring. However, winter pruning is not the same as summer pruning—knowing what to cut and what to leave is key. After decades of gardening in both Sonoma Valley and Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed practical methods that balance…
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