The forecast is calling for snow, perhaps a lot. Thats OK. The garden doesnt mind snow. In fact, the garden can actually benefit from snow. It acts as an insulator for garden plants and perennial shrubs and flowers. If the snow falls early and is deep enough the ground may not freeze at all, keeping perennial root systems warm and healthy. A uniform blanket of snow protects the ground during freezing and thawing and is likely to benefit plants that might otherwise be damaged by such extremes. When water freezes in the ground it expands, and when temperatures warm, the water in the soil contracts.
When the ground is warm, worms and microbes thrive in winter, continuing to break down organic matter which will benefit the garden in spring.
When snow melts it provides much needed moisture and even deposits small amounts of nitrogen in your garden soil. Piling up snow around shrubs and perennials will not only insulate the plants but water and fertilize them as well when temperatures warm in the spring.
Heavy and even moderate snowfall may help us in the garden, but it can make life in the winter much more difficult for birds and other wildlife struggling to find food. Putting feeders out for birds and squirrels can help ease their woes.
Deep snow can allow some animals, like deer and rabbits, access to food that you might not want them to eat. Mounds of snow can act as step ladders to fruit trees and hungry animals will have no qualms about feasting on your orchard.
Keeping areas free of snow and placing nuts, seeds, suet and even kitchen scraps outside will ensure wildlife has enough food to make it through the winter. If you do not want to attract wildlife to your property leave well enough alone. Nature has a miraculous way of taking care of her creatures.
Conscientious homeowners remove snow from sidewalks to benefit letter carriers, delivery drivers and neighbors. Snow removal with shovels and snow blowers is not always adequate and we turn to salt and other deicers to keep ice and slick spots to a minimum. Dont overdo it. Follow deicer labels for proper application. More is not always better. Only use deicers on sidewalks that get used. The cobblestone path to the garden is fine to leave snow covered until temperatures warm and you will actually be going back there. Consider deicers practical, not a means of beautifying your snow covered property. Too much deicer can harm plants. If the winter brings too much of a good thing and you find you are using more deicer than youd like, thoroughly water those areas in spring unless rains are heavy. As usual, nature will do this for you.
Shoveling snow is hard work. It is especially difficult for those with compromised health. If you have had a heart attack or back injury, consider asking someone to shovel for you. A combination of aerobic exercise and weightlifting, snow shoveling is not a task to be taken lightly. Encourage your kids or grandkids to help others with snow shoveling. They might be able to make a few dollars and they will certainly make friends when they help someone in need.
With snow as a blessing and a curse, we must learn to adapt. Our Ohio winters have prepared us for all that nature has to throw at us. She does so without warning sometimes, despite our high tech systems. Be ready. Dress in layers. Hats and scarves are not fashion statements. Help your neighbors and behold the beauty that is winter.
