One of the many benefits of living in the Santa Clara Valley is the mild winter weather. Gardening is much more enjoyable without snow or cold temperatures. However, the mild weather also necessitates gardening procedures which are not a concern where more severe winter weather maintains dormancy in plant species as well as any associated pathogens. In the Santa Clara Valley, gardening continues throughout the year.

I normally do not want to rush winter pruning of fruit trees and roses. However, it is very important that it is completed before buds begin to swell. Roses are best pruned as late as possible, but before any shoot growth develops. Fruit trees must be pruned before bloom. Late pruning is somewhat of a shock, as well as breaks off some of the developing flowers or fruit. If dormant sprays are used, they should be applied shortly after pruning, but not after bloom.

Winter is also bare root season. Selection is usually best as soon as bare root stock becomes available. The more popular cultivars may be found at the best prices in the garden departments of home improvement centers. However, it is very important to be able to recognize good quality material. Prices may be higher at nurseries, but selection and quality is usually much better. (I say this because a few winters ago I investigated bare root stock at a large warehouse store only to fine that it was all very dead!)

Summer bulbs or dormant perennials such as anemones, callas, canas, gladioulus, lilies and ranunculus may continue to be planted. Small groups planted at various times through the season will encourage an extended bloom period. Cool season vegetables which may also be planted from seed in phases include beets, carrots, radishes, turnips and turnip greens. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage may be planted as seedlings. Bedding annuals include Iceland poppy, nemesia, pansies, schizanthus, viola and various primroses. (Primroses may cause severe allergic reactions of the skin.)