ALEXANDRIA — As Minnesota gardeners know all too well, we’ve been riding the weather roller coaster since August, fluctuating between warm spells and cooler-than-normal temperatures.

But now, it looks like winter has made an appearance, with highs stuck in the 30s for several days. Aside from a few brief warm-ups in this week’s forecast, it seems winter weather might be here to stay.

Adding to the seasonal shift, the Minnesota State Climatology Office predicts this year’s La Niña to be mild but persistent, likely lasting through February. That could significantly affect how gardeners care for their landscapes this winter. With deep freezes, heavy snow, and a potentially late spring on the horizon, it’s time to prepare for a longer, harsher season.

La Niña is part of a natural climate c

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