For people who want to grow more food with less work. 🌱 This is my weekly newsletter loved by 38,000+ subscribers—here's what one of them had to say: "These are not the regular run-of-the-mill garden-based emails. You actually touch on more unusual tidbits that encourage me to keep growing and learning."
I found out how cold is TOO cold for my crops
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For the last few years in my zone 5 garden, I've been tracking overnight temperatures and seeing just how much cold my cold-hardy crops can actually take—without any kind of frost protection. I usually cover my beds in winter so I can harvest them all season, but I do leave one or two beds unprotected as an experiment. What I've found is that many plants can—surprisingly—take a significant amount of below-freezing temps, and it may change the way you view winter gardening completely. Also: the more snow you get, the more cold they can take! (Even though it sounds counterintuitive.) If you've ever wondered whether a vegetable crop can survive in your climate, and at exactly what temperature it dies back, I just compiled this very list! It's based on my own climate and experiences, and I've also noted specific varieties I've grown that were hardier than expected.
Have you noticed that houseplant pests seem to come out more in winter? I just brought all my potted citrus outside (since we had a relatively warm sunny day) and sprayed them down with a hose, then treated them for thrips. There may have also been aphids on a few leaves, but I didn't look too closely. All I know is I needed to get them under control, stat! Houseplant pests usually seem worse in winter because we get fewer hours of daylight, dry indoor conditions tend to stress plants, and cold temperatures outside may encourage bugs to seek shelter in our homes. It can be pretty frustrating when you're dealing with an infestation because it's inside your home—yuck. So here's what I use to make sure the pests don't take over:
Just these 4 items have helped me control every houseplant pest I've come across. The other thing that helps is to remember not to overwater your plants; they usually need much less water in winter than they do in summer, so always check the soil with your finger first before you water. Good luck! (And I already see my citrus trees recovering from using the Bio Insecticide this week.) P.S. How cold is too cold for your vegetable crops? This list will tell you exactly what temperatures my plants have survived in winter. P.P.S. If you're still scrambling for Christmas gifts, here's a great deal that just came across my inbox: Peaceful Valley is offering 10% off all online gift card purchases (through Christmas Eve). Enter code GARDENGIFT10 at checkout. |
Garden Betty
For people who want to grow more food with less work. 🌱 This is my weekly newsletter loved by 38,000+ subscribers—here's what one of them had to say: "These are not the regular run-of-the-mill garden-based emails. You actually touch on more unusual tidbits that encourage me to keep growing and learning."