Seems like
this winter will never end. But as all know by now, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow meaning an early spring, so maybe the end of the road is in sight. He'd better be right.
But there is a whole line of thought, called phenology, which records and studies, cyclic annual events, in the plant and animal kingdoms. It is sort of a natural calender; it can foretell such things as when to plant certain plants, when allergies will become a problem and recreational opportunities.
For example, the singing of the spring peepers usually happens in these parts sometime during the last week in March. I usually mark the date down. According to phenological wisdom, there will be three more snowfalls following the singing. And most of the time, it happens. There will be three times the snow will, well, at least flurry.
Other common signs for home gardeners:
Phenology also can predict the emergence of some pesky insects. For example
It pays to be observant to what is happening in the local neighborhood and to make a recording, even in a
garden journal.
Groundhog Fact – a good archaeologists
Groundhogs are good diggers. In fact their tunnels can be four feet deep and run for fifty feet. The dirt is pile sometimes three or four feet into a mound at the main entrance. The groundhog uses this mound to watch for danger. At the other end of the tunnel, is the little noticed escape route. It is hard to find. But always look carefully at the entrance mound of dirt for old artifacts like arrowheads, pieces of flint and maybe even old bottles.
And yes, groundhogs can whistle. They whistle when alarmed and during courtship. A fox,
coyote or even a dog are natural predators of the groundhog. A fox, however, will be more likely take over the groundhogs tunnel and make a new den; rabbits, skunks and raccoons will do something similar, though they don't prey on groundhogs.
Click
Phil, for more information on Punxsutawney Phil and the former Groundhog Brand of Meats.
Gardens are in the Near Future, according to the Groundhog (despite the politics of the day)
Okay, I agree with the recently passed Affordable Health Care Act, though I am not fond of the bitter debates.
First things first. Health care starts at home and a good action to take is to plant a home vegetable garden free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. The evidence is lined up that homegrown veggies are healthier and better tasting.
Besides, a homeowner can save a bundle of money with a home garden. The $50 worth of seeds will produce over $1,250 worth of produce,
according to some estimates. This year probably even more so with the high prices being charged for gasoline.
Lettuce is one early spring crop which can be planted throughout the growing season. Homegrown lettuce can save a lot of money when compared to the prices in most grocery stores. Besides, the homegrown quality is much, much better.
A
potato box can produce a lot of fresh homegrown potatoes. Thanks to Kathleen Richardson for sending the link. I've done this for a long time now; the box doesn't take up a lot garden space and weeding is kept to a minimum. There's nothing better than mash potatoes made from fresh potatoes (or baked for that matter).
An asparagus patch, and a couple blueberry bushes at the edges of the garden, will produce for years and years, save more and more money while providing for healthy meals.
Naturally, it helps to plan,
go organic and take care of the patch during the season. Don't forget to
plant some extra plants which are high in nectar for the bees. Bees are
important to any vegetable garden.
Good Blogs to Read
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