# From Greens to Garden Catalogs: Your Winter Gardening Guide

Ever wondered how to extend your gardening season into the winter months? In this episode, we explore the surprising cold-hardiness of greens like collards and kale, which can thrive well into the holiday season with minimal protection. Host Ron Wilson shares nostalgic memories of his grandmother's open-hearth fireplace cooking that made even children crave collard greens, while offering practical advice for protecting plants as temperatures drop.

## Timestamps:
- 3:45 - What to do with plants you haven't planted yet as temperatures drop
- 8:30 - Final lawn fertilization timing and frozen ground warnings
- 12:20 - Growing cold-tolerant greens through winter
- 17:30 - Must-have garden catalogs for winter planning
- 22:15 - Breaking up crusty mulch before winter
- 25:45 - Tree protection against buck rubs and frost crack
- 28:30 - Ash tree regrowth after emerald ash borer damage

## Key Takeaways:
- Cool-season greens like collards, kale and mustard greens can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F without damage
- Create simple protection using straw bales, plastic covers, or hoop houses to extend harvest into December
- Johnny's Seeds catalog offers excellent resources for year-round greens growing, including microgreens for indoor winter production
- Crusty mulch should be broken up before winter to allow water penetration
- Install tree trunk protectors to prevent damage from deer, rabbits, and frost crack

Don't let winter stop your gardening journey! Whether you're planning next year's garden with catalogs or harvesting fresh greens from your protected beds, there are plenty of ways to keep your green thumb active during the colder months.

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