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December 7, 2005

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.

 


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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

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