Let it
snow, Let it snow, Let
it snow!
I couldn't resist using the above as a lead-in
this week. As I look out the window I
am guessing we have about 3 inches of snow and it looks
like another 2-4 inches
are headed our way. By tomorrow morning
we may have as much as 6-8 inches. Not bad for our "first"
official snow. As you can imagine, the
kids are thrilled. As early as this morning there was
already talk about getting enough snow
today so that there would be no school tomorrow. I remember those
days. If there was even a slight mention of snow in the forecast
my sisters and I would be praying for plenty of it to escape the
daily routine of school. It is fun to watch our children wish for
the same.
It is going
to be plenty cold for the next day or so and then we'll see a slight
warm-up over the weekend. If you are
out shoveling be careful to dress appropriately and take breaks
as needed. Kevin and I shoveled the drive tonight (I sure wish
our driveway was shorter) and I stopped several times to catch my
breath. It was hard work but it was also just fun to be outside.
~
Shelly
Nature's Drip Irrigation?
Speaking of snow, a great benefit of that white stuff
is its slow release of moisture into the soil. It may not be a
lot of water but because it melts slowly into the soil it can be
a more effective irrigator than a hard rain. You can even
increase the benefit by shoveling sidewalk and driveway snow to
areas of the garden that will eventually benefit from the added
moisture. Just make sure the shoveled snow doesn't contain any
salty or chemical de-icers.
Preventing Snow Mold...
This snow probably caught some
Savvygardeners off guard. Many still had a fair amount of
unraked leaves on the ground and they are now covered with 4-6
inches of white stuff. First on your "to do" list once the
snow melts - rake up those leaves. It's just not healthy
for the turf to have wet leaves smothering it all winter.
Snow mold is the most likely possibility and it is best avoided.
What Snowmelt Reveals...
Looks like we may get temperatures in the low 40s this weekend.
Add some sunshine to that and we could see some or most of this
snow melt away. Keep an eye on the melting progress.
Those areas of your garden and lawn that melt first reveal warmer
microclimates that could serve as places to grow marginal
perennials that otherwise might not be hardy enough for our Zone
5 winters.
Put Your Mower
Away...
If you are
done mowing for the year, be sure to service your mower before
putting it away.
-
Drain
the gas tank of gasoline powered engines or use a gasoline
stabilizer. Untreated gasoline can become thick and gummy.
-
A few drops of oil
squirted inside the spark plug hole (after you remove the spark
plug) will help lubricate the cylinder.
-
While you have the
spark plug removed, replace it with a new one.
-
If your equipment has a
battery, clean the battery terminals of any
corrosion that may have occurred during the season. A
wire-bristle brush is a good tool for doing this.
-
The battery can then be
removed or connected to a battery monitor that will keep it
charged over winter.
-
If you remove the
battery, be sure to store it in a protected location for the
winter season (a cool basement works best).
Source
Wind Damage To Evergreens...
Cold winter winds can cause injury to
evergreens. Needles and leaves of evergreens may become
discolored or develop a bleached out appearance, especially on
windy sites. "Winter burn" is caused by the wind blowing over
leaf surfaces and drawing water out of the plant, desiccating the
plant tissue. Locations in full sun tend to fare worse. To
protect plants, be sure soil is evenly moist up until freeze.
During a dry fall, you may need to water up until the ground
freezes. You may also want to consider protecting plants by
wrapping them in burlap or putting up some sort of barrier to
break the wind. Another option is the anti desiccant spray. These
are available from your local nursery or garden center. Anti
desiccant sprays create an invisible film on the leaf surface
that reduces the amount of water lost to the wind and sun. If you
choose to try an anti desiccant, be sure to read and follow the
product labeling.
Source
Getting A Handle On
Gift Giving...
If you're thinking about buying garden tools as gifts for
that special gardener make sure you choose them carefully.
Getting the basics right can be the difference between a tool
that helps the gardener versus one that frustrates.
- Grips
- The right tool starts with a good grip. For starters, it
should be pliable and non-slip. A pliable, soft grip will
protect your joints and help keep your hand from cramping. A
non-slip handle means you don't have to waste energy hanging
onto the tool.
-
Handles - Tools with longer handles will make it easier to
garden by saving you from bending over or overextending your
reach in the garden. A long handle will also give you some
leverage and help you in using the tool.
-
Weight - Check the weight of any tool you're going to buy.
It should be heavy enough to be durable but not so heavy it is
fatiguing to use. A lightweight tool means more energy to
garden.
-
Quality - Good tools, well taken care of will last
forever. Those tools that get daily use (trowels come to mind)
should be made of materials that are both durable and
effective. Stainless steel and carbon steel blades are best.
Source
Holiday Window
Boxes...
If your empty window boxes are begging for some winter
substance try filling them creatively with evergreen branches
inserted into the soil. If the soil is already frozen soften it
with warm water first. You will find that balsam fir branches
will hold their blue-green needles until spring. For added color
try bittersweet, holly berries, and strawflowers.
Finally... "Every year at just
this time,
In cold and dark December,
Families around the world
All gather to remember,
With presents and with parties,
With feasting and with fun,
Customs and traditions
for people old and young." ~
Helen H. Moore |