Alyce Peterson

February is a great time to show some love to your garden. It may still feel like winter, but in Lodi’s Zone 9 garden, this is one of the most important months of the year. What you do now sets the stage for a healthy and beautiful spring — whether you’re gardening at home or helping care for our public spaces. Credits: Wix.com Finish winter pruning. February is the final window to prune roses, deciduous fruit trees, and grapevines before new growth begins. At Micke Grove Rose Garden or your...

Winter may look quiet, but beneath the surface the garden is very busy. Roots are stretching, earthworms are tunneling, and soil life is slowly preparing for spring. This is the perfect season to care for the garden in gentle, thoughtful ways. Using cardboard or newspaper in the garden is one of our favorite winter tricks.  Plain, untreated cardboard or newspaper laid over the soil helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil health over time. Simply remove tape and staples, lay...

It's December and most likely you are knee deep in a holiday-to-do list! Even though it is cold outside, don't neglect your garden. With a little effort and planning in December, your garden will emerge from winter flourishing! 1. Protect Tender Plants from Cold Snaps Even in Lodi’s mild winters, December can surprise us with a frost or two.I’d make sure my frost cloths or old sheets are nearby and ready. Citrus, succulents, young perennials, and anything newly planted get the first...