A Southern Gardener’s Secret to Early Harvests 🎃🌱 Every spring, like clockwork, I get giddy about starting seeds indoors—especially for heavy hitters like pumpkins and winter squash. These gorgeous garden giants need a long growing season to reach their full potential, and if you live in a warm climate like Zone 9, giving them a…
If you’ve been following along with the 15-Minutes-a-Day Gardening Calendar, you already know that this system is designed to help you build and maintain a thriving garden—without burnout. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this approach breaks everything down into small, daily steps so that gardening feels fun, doable, and rewarding. February…
January may feel like a slow month in the garden, but don’t let that fool you—this is the foundation-building season. While the rest of the country is bundled up indoors, Zone 9 gardeners get a head start on the growing year. This is the time to plan, prep, and plant so that your garden thrives…
Introduction Spring is a magical time in the garden, and planting bulbs is one of the easiest ways to ensure a vibrant display of blooms. For gardeners in warmer climates like Zone 9, the process is even more rewarding, as the mild winter temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to plant and nurture bulbs. Whether you’re…
Introduction Winter in Zone 9 offers a unique opportunity for gardeners with its mild climate, making it perfect for engaging in winter garden projects. While others are busy shoveling snow and dreaming of spring, we have the luxury of keeping our hands in the soil year-round. This season isn’t just about maintaining your garden; it’s…
Did you know Zone 9 gardeners have 285 frost-free days a year? This long growing season is perfect for autumn gardening1. As I sit on my porch, enjoying sweet tea and the breeze, I’m amazed by our Mediterranean climate’s fall planting opportunities. Our USDA hardiness zone 9 covers areas from California’s coast to Florida’s humid…
