Preparing shrubs and trees for winter is essential for maintaining plant health, protecting roots and branches, and ensuring vigorous growth in spring. After gardening for decades in Sonoma Valley’s mild winters and Iowa Zone 5’s harsh cold, I’ve developed practical methods that work in all zones. Proper winter preparation—from pruning and mulching to wrapping and…
Dividing perennials in fall is one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate overcrowded plants, improve flowering, and maintain a healthy, productive garden. After decades of gardening in Sonoma Valley and cold-climate zones like Iowa Zone 5, I’ve found that fall is often ideal for dividing many perennials because the soil is still workable, plants…
Saving seeds from your flowers is one of the most rewarding ways to extend your garden year after year. Whether you garden in warm regions with mild winters or in cold climates with hard freezes, collecting seeds before winter ensures you can grow your favorite varieties without buying new plants. After decades of gardening in…
Overwintering perennial herbs allows you to enjoy fresh flavors well into winter and early spring. From my experience gardening in Iowa’s Zone 5 winters to year-round growing in Sonoma, hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and sage can survive cold temperatures with proper preparation and protection. Visit the Winter Garden and Season Extension Learning Hub Here’s…
Companion planting is a valuable technique for winter gardening, helping crops grow stronger, resist pests, and maximize space. From my experience growing vegetables in Iowa’s Zone 5 winters to year-round winter gardening in Sonoma, pairing compatible crops under tunnels or cold frames improves yields and overall plant health. Visit the Winter Garden and Season Extension…
Succession planting is a proven strategy for keeping your winter garden productive over the entire cold season. From my experience growing vegetables in Iowa’s Zone 5 winters to year-round gardening in Sonoma, staggering sowing dates allows you to harvest fresh greens, root crops, and salad vegetables consistently, rather than all at once. Visit the Winter…
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