Leeks, Worms and Wllows

Despite it being an extremely mild winter, it was long and hectic time wise (some Christmas decorations still need to be taken down and stored away.). With the return of spring weather, gardens and outdoor activities Koyote Hill returns after a winter break. Enjoy.

The weather warmed in March and the first I heard the early spring peepers was March 15 followed on March 20 with the appearance of the woodland leeks (pictured digging). Normally, these two would appear, at best, in early April and more like mid-April in northwestern Pennsylvania.

We dug some leeks and they are tasty as ever and can be used in many recipes and even pickled. Good stuff.

Also growing early are the swamp marigolds and the skunk cabbage.

Other early arrivals:

Robins were sighted in early March as were some blue bird scouts followed by the turkey vultures. I even jumped back when I saw a big snake earlier this week. That was 100 % unexpected.

Further to the south hummingbirds have been observed, according to the article, last year in the Pittsburgh region, the hummers were spotted April 24. There is a Web site, www.hummingbirds.net updated everyday which tracks their northward migration. Those feeders might have to go up a little early this year.
For some more insights on how the early arrival impacted various businesses such as bait shops, farming and maple producers, click early.

The question seemingly asked more and frequently is what does this mean for the upcoming summer months?

Garden

It still is a tad too wet to work the soil and begin planting some early spring veggies outside, at least in this location.. Besides there is still something of a battle between spring and winter temperatures; a few days ago a low temperature of 18 was recorded after several days of temperatures skirting the 80 degree mark.

Some garden soil in the raised beds has been overturned but it is heavy, muddy and wet. The first full week of April could see warmer temperatures and maybe then peas can go in the ground along with some early lettuce, kale, red beets  and onions.

Tomatoes are beginning to sprout in the cold frame. This year will, hopefully feature Brandywines and Speckled Romans, two on the favorites around here.

Peppers went into flats today, March 28.

There is an old weather folklore I follow every spring. Once the spring peepers sing for the first time, there will be three cold events. We have had our first, the second will come this week as temperatures are expected to dip into the low twenties again.

The Full Moon for April will be April 6 Good Friday. It seems before, during or right after a full moon, we'll get a night or two of cold weather, so that time frame might be the last shot of cold until next fall.

The April Full Moon is commonly called the Full Pink Moon because of the blooming pink wild phlox; it is also called the Full Fish Moon, the Full Egg Moon or the Full Sprouting Grass Moon.

Worms

We've all learned how beneficial worms are in the garden, in compost piles, and in fishing. However, the worms can be destructive in our forests. Actually, the worms are invasive and not native to North America. They were brought here by the early settlers.

Worms have a huge appetite and clean up forest liter such as leaves exposing seeds and presenting a danger to some native wildflowers such as trillium. For more information on this little known fact, http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/hunting-fishing/shalaway-the-dark-destructive-world-of-earthworms-517249/

Weeping Willow – How to help plants form healthier roots

Weeping Willow trees have a lot of respect in yard landscaping as long as they are growing in the proper location. These elegant trees offer rare beauty particularly near ponds and bogs. They are also important medicinally and their aspirin – like qualities were used for centuries.

They can also be used effectively in the garden by cutting up the branches into one inch pieces and placing the pieces in a jug of water. The willow piece release substances which help the seedling plants form better root system (or use the liquid to water cuttings or clones); the willow also release a substance to help plants ward off various diseases.

The branches which can be blown throughout the yard during storms have a lot of benefits. For more information, http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/home-made-plant-rooting-hormone-willow-water/

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