It's 35 degrees right now.
It snowed today, there were actual flurries. I watched them from the windows at work and wanted to cry.
Rain, snow and cold wind... that's what Chicago experienced today. By now most people are saying they are done with winter. And we (like everyone else) agree. But, love it or hate it... this weather is great for our plants.
With the ground being consistently wet this time of year, you want to avoid walking on it to prevent compaction to your soil. This is where the wind will help. The wind helps to dry out our soil from winter snows and the recent rains. With all the rain we've had, make sure that you get out there and clean up your beds. I cannot stress this enough. You don't want to lose your plants to root and crown rot. These two brutes occur when there is excess soil moisture. Clay soil and low areas are especially prone to holding too much moisture. You can help to improve your soil texture by adding plenty of organic material when you plant your perennials. Remember, peat is your friend. If you have a low area that is holding moisture, consider installing a raised bed for improved drainage. When you mulch, do not pile mulch right up to the plant. Give it some "personal space" to avoid crown rot.
Overall, our temperatures are steadily rising and our days are getting longer each week. Spring is here. The bulbs that we planted last fall are blooming. Later season plants are beginning to grow. Summer is just around the corner.
But don't be fooled just yet. Nighttime frosts are still a possibility this month. Keep some newspapers or sheets of plastic handy in the event you have to cover vulnerable plants if temperatures drop.
Enjoy the weather when you can, but don't risk putting out too much, too early.
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