Preparing for a Cold Snap

by Karen Dunn

Before mulching

Snow in the forecast. Subzero temperatures. I usually wait until the thermometer reads zero before I start mulching and covering. (Because I am a procrastinator, no other reason). My hands get cold, my mulching leaves are half frozen, and because I’ve waited too long it gets dark before I finish. I’ve been known to work by the headlights of my car.

After mulching.
Covered with plastic.

Not this year. Cold temperatures predicted for tomorrow and snow too. Today was a beautiful sunny, warm day. So I got after it. Mulch. Plastic. The works. I was in the house by dark (except for that one little rosemary I’d forgotten about).  Luckily I had a cardboard box standing by. They work great in a pinch when cold weather hits.

My garlic is up a few inches but I’m not too worried …it will survive. Some varieties are up a little higher than others. A variety I got from Salt Spring Seeds is in the lead closely followed by my soft necks.

Fresh kale.

I even had time to harvest a few carrots and a bunch of kale to get me thru until the garden thaws.

Tomorrow I plan to enjoy the snow.

Karen Dunn gardens on Quadra Island all year long and loves to share her tips and tricks for making your garden awesome!

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