After several days of warm weather last week that almost had us convinced that it was spring time, today we have two inches of snow. Fortunately, the only things we have planetd in the garden so far are plants that can withstand a little cold and snow. We have Jersualem artichokes in the ground. We've planted garden peas and lettuce. And of course, we've separated and replanted the garlic that was left in the ground as seed stock from last autumn.
There are also a number of perennials that are already growing. Strawberry plants are also growing already and we've dug and separted them. Chives, garlic chives, thyme, lemon thyme, and a few other herbs are already coming up and turning green as well. We don't expect these to be harmed at all by the brief return of wintry weather.
It isn't cold enough to hurt anything else that might be budding up around the yard like apple trees, lilacs, or any of the bulb plants (crocus, daffodil, and such) that are poking up through the ground either.
What the snow will do is keep the soil wet. That puts jerusalem artichoke tuber cuttings at slight risk of rot, but they are in a well-drained area so they should be ok.
The rest of our summer vegetables are still indoors, in seed starting trays, completely oblivious to the elements outdoors.
The snow is a reminder, however, that no matter how many seventy degree days we get in the early New England spring, there is always the possibility of cold and snow until we get into late May. Even then it's possible, although much rarer.
No comments:
Post a Comment