Winter gardening in the Valley offers challenges By Tony Tomeo 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 that 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 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.