Winter Storm Benefits

january 2025 kicked of with two winter storms, a combination of ice and snow. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Winter Storm Benefits

It’s not easy to think of winter storms as having benefits. When it comes to our gardens, though, there are many positive things that happen courtesy of winter storms.

1.Soil Moisture

Snowfall acts as a natural reservoir, slowly releasing moisture into the soil as it melts. This prevents sudden runoff and allows plants and trees to absorb water more efficiently, replenishing groundwater reserves.

2. Insulation for Plants

A thick layer of snow acts as an insulating blanket, protecting plants and roots from extreme cold temperatures. This layer prevents soil from freezing too deeply, safeguarding dormant plants and microorganisms.

3. Natural Pest Control

Cold temperatures during winter storms can reduce populations of pests, such as insects and larvae, that might otherwise damage plants in the warmer months.

4. Replenishment of Ponds

Melting snow and ice contribute to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, providing essential water resources for ecosystems, agriculture, and human consumption during the dry seasons.

5. Improved Soil Structure

The freezing and thawing cycles associated with ice and snow help break up compacted soil, improving its structure and making it easier to work in the spring. This enhances soil aeration and drainage.

6. Nutrient Deposition

Snow can capture atmospheric nitrogen and other nutrients, depositing them into the soil as it melts. This acts as a natural fertilizer, boosting soil fertility for the growing season.

7. Wildlife Benefits

Snow provides shelter for certain wildlife, such as small mammals, by creating subnivean zones (spaces under the snow) that offer warmth and protection from predators. It also provides water when it melts, benefiting both plants and animals.

8. Disease Suppression

Many plant pathogens struggle to survive prolonged freezing temperatures, which can help reduce the spread of diseases in crops and gardens during the growing season.

9. Scenic Beauty and Psychological Benefits

The serene beauty of a snowy landscape can have positive psychological effects, offering a sense of calm and renewal. This aesthetic appeal often encourages outdoor activities, promoting physical health and well-being.

10. Recharge of Ecosystems

Winter storms reset ecosystems by pruning weak vegetation through ice accumulation and heavy snow. This natural process helps forests and landscapes maintain balance and encourages new growth in the spring.

Conclusion

By understanding these benefits, gardeners and nature enthusiasts can better appreciate the role of winter storms in maintaining healthy ecosystems and preparing for a fruitful growing season.

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Charlotte

Winter Sowing

Forecasters are calling for more snow and below 0 Fahrenheit temperatures so good time to get those native seeds winter sown. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

Winter Sowing

Winter sowing is a way to start seeds outdoors during winter months, allowing them to naturally germinate when conditions are right in the spring. It’s also an excellent way to give seeds that need cold exposure that cold treatment they need to germinate, such as purple coneflowers and black-eyed susans, both excellent pollinator plants.

Here's a guide on how to winter sow in repurposed milk jugs using Black-Eyed Susan seeds:

What you will need

1. Empty, clean plastic milk jugs or bottles

2. Utility knife or scissors

3. Potting soil

4. Black-eyed susan seeds (or purple coneflower seeds)

5. Spray bottle with water

6. Tape (as in duck tape)

7. Marker

   How to get milk jugs ready

   As you collect milk jugs, wash them thoroughly, allow to dry and store. I kept mine in plastic garbage bags so they didn’t take up a lot of storage room.

   Pierce or cut several drainage holes in the bottom of the bottle first. Use a nail, heated skewer, or the tip of your scissors or knife. Be careful not to puncture your hand.

   Then use a utility knife or scissors to cut the bottles horizontally around the middle, leaving the handle intact on one side. It’s hard to punch holes in the bottom once the milk jug is cut in half. The bottom half will serve as a mini greenhouse.

   Add a layer of potting soil into the bottom section of the bottle, filling it about one-third of the way.

remove lids if you haven’t already, you won’t need them. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Plant black-eyed Susan seeds

I confess, I saved a lot of seeds earlier in the season so I was ready to plant. If you don’t have seeds, check your local home and garden center, most have a supply all year.

Break up black-eyed susan seed heads and sprinkle over the soil surface. I’m always surprised at how many seeds come out of one little flower head. You can lightly press them into the soil but don’t bury them too deeply. These seeds require light to germinate.

Dust the seeds with soil.

Close the top part of the bottle over the bottom, securing it with tape. This creates a miniature greenhouse effect. Remove milk jugs lids; you won’t need them.

Label the container with the plant name and the date of sowing using a marker. I just add an initial so that I know which seeds I planted.

Place milk jugs outdoors

Find a suitable outdoor location that receives partial sun to full sun. An area protected from harsh winds is ideal.

Set the prepared milk jugs on the ground. You can also bury them halfway in the soil to stabilize them.

Check the containers occasionally to ensure the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged. If the soil appears dry, spray water over it just to keep it moist.

As the temperatures increase in the spring, the seeds will naturally germinate when conditions are favorable.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have developed several sets of leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden bed. I wait until after the last frost to transplant directly into the garden.

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Charlotte

Envelope Seed Packets

These saved marigold seeds are now ready to be stored until spring. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Envelope Seed Packets

With many of us not needing paper envelopes to mail in bills, why not save them to package saved seeds.

You can use them for other things as well but I usually have more seeds than I have ways to save them.

The return envelopes with the clear window work best so that you can see what seeds are inside.

mark your seed envelopes with at least the year for the seeds, if not the variety. (charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

Helps also to mark the envelopes with at least the year of the seeds, if not the seed variety. I can identify most seeds but not all so I also add the plant name to the date. Well, I should although I’ve been known to say to myself you’ll recognize these seeds, then don’t.

Store the seeds in a dry place. I keep baskets around the house where I can keep all of my seed packets together. You can pick up baskets at thrift stores.

For more gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor tips, subscribe to Garden Notes.

Charlotte