In this episode we welcome Donna Balzer, an award-winning horticulturist, keynote speaker, and author with over three decades of experience in gardening. Donna's journey from her roots as a farmer's daughter with an agriculture degree to her current role as a media personality has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in horticulture.In our conversation, Donna shares her expertise on a fascinating topic: Growing Winter Citrus. Despite traditional beliefs, her method enables individuals to successfully grow citrus plants in regions typically unsuitable for them.Donna discusses the challenges of cold weather citrus cultivation, emphasizing the importance of strategic location within the homeDrawing from her own experiences, Donna explores the resilience of certain citrus varieties to chilly temperatures and stresses the significance of excellent drainage and breathable root systems.We delve into essential aspects such as watering practices, pest management in indoor environments, and the intricacies of pollination and fruit development under controlled conditions.Throughout our discussion, Donna highlights that gardening is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level. She introduces valuable resources like Lemon Camp—a collaborative platform fostering engagement and learning in the citrus gardening community.Time Line00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast00:42 Meet Donna Balzer: The Expert Horticulturalist01:06 The Art of Growing Winter Citrus02:25 Understanding Cold Climate Citrus03:10 The Ideal Environment for Growing Citrus03:58 Common Mistakes in Citrus Cultivation05:18 The Impact of Temperature on Citrus Growth07:20 The Importance of Proper Drainage and Breathable Root Systems13:29 The Pollination Process of Citrus Plants20:41 The Flavor Difference in Homegrown Citrus21:20 The Unique Thai Lime Story23:08 Growing Citrus from Cuttings28:04 The Importance of Fertilization in Citrus Growth29:44 The Struggles of Indoor Plant Care30:17 The Importance of Light and Fertilizer for Plants30:51 The Magic of Worm Castings31:05 The Journey of Making Homemade Worm Castings31:43 The Benefits of Buying Worm Castings Directly from the Producer32:40 The Exciting World of Online Gardening School32:48 The Difference Between a Class and a Camp34:30 The Global Reach of Online Gardening Camp34:52 The Joy of Growing Your Own Food38:31 The Importance of Understanding the Connection in Gardening40:12 The Misadventures of Growing Strawberries48:15 The Excitement of Starting a New Garden50:17 The Love for Calamondin Orange51:08 The Importance of Sharing the Love of Gardening51:50 Conclusion: The Joy of Gardening from Two to Ninety-Nine