I love watching it snow. Everything becomes quiet and the snow dances when the light hits it. I thought that was the best thing about snow, but I was wrong. Snow is GREAT for your garden.

First of all, it’s a great insulator for the soil. Without snow, very cold temperatures can freeze the soil deeper and deeper, which can then lead to damage of the root systems of trees and shrubs. Snow prevents these cold temperatures from harming plants.

Secondly, it will help against wide temperature fluctuations in the soil. Under the snow, the roots of perennials, bulbs, ground covers, and strawberry plants are protected from the freeze-thaw cycle that can heave tender roots right out of the ground.

Thirdly, snow helps conserve soil moisture over the winter.

And here’s a BONUS! Did you know that nitrogen attaches to snowflakes as the snow falls through the atmosphere? That’s why The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls snow a “poor man’s fertilizer.” Nature provides a gentle fertilizer boost to plants!

So, now when we get that last snow dump as we sometimes do in March and April, we can say, ‘Let it snow and thank you for the fertilizer’ – instead of cursing it.

Susan and Brad Emery are members of the Dunnville Horticultural Society (DHS).

      Due to COVID-19 restrictions, DHS has suspended member meetings. If you have questions or comments, contact DHS President Deb Zynomirski at debzyn@gmail.com or visit dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org.

      Note that 2021 DHS Subscriptions are currently available through mail. Send a cheque or money order ($10 single, $15 couple) to Dunnville Horticultural Society, P.O. Box 274, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2X5.