Fruit tree buds and flowers are critical for a healthy spring harvest, but winter can threaten their survival. Frost, fluctuating temperatures, wind, and ice can damage delicate buds if not properly protected. Drawing on decades of experience in both mild Sonoma Valley and cold Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed strategies for pruning and winter observation…
Winter brings challenges to fruit gardens, from heavy snow and ice to rodent activity under mulch and snow cover. Left unmanaged, these factors can break branches, damage trunks, or destroy buds and roots. Drawing on decades of gardening experience in both mild Sonoma Valley and cold Iowa Zone 5, I’ve developed practical strategies to prevent…
Winter is a critical time for fruit trees and shrubs. Even though growth slows or stops, roots continue to respire, and soil conditions affect plant survival and spring growth. Proper winter watering and soil care prevent desiccation, root damage, and nutrient loss. Drawing on decades of experience gardening in both mild Sonoma Valley and cold…
Planning the home fruit garden requires a bit more future-thinking than the vegetable garden. Most vegetables are annuals or biennials and spend just one or two seasons in the garden. Most fruits are trees or shrubs and live for 10 to 50 years or more. The first consideration in planning an edible garden—either fruit or…
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