The Winter that Wasn't - Failing Cool Season Crops

It's hard to reconcile the maps and data with the gardening advice found in magazines like Sunset, Mother Nature, or Organic Gardening. In fact, it's just plain hard to know how to garden at all in this weather.

Last year, I had a wonderful winter garden. Everything I planted grew and produced. This year, I am looking out my window at a forlorn garden. The lettuce and greens drowned in December rain and never bounced back. The broccoli Raab has already bolted, my artichokes, which were cut back, have begun to grow already, and my Kiwi, which was a no-go this summer due to the intensely hot summer temperatures, has now begun to leaf out in places.   All this is happening months' earlier than it should. 

I'm sitting "Shiva" for my winter garden.

How is your winter garden growing? What have you found helpful in this warmer winter? I would love to hear from you; success stories or failures -- all are welcome.

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