Since 2/28/25, our area has received 1.21 inches of precipitation. We have had numerous days of wind advisories, which cause the soil to dry out. Temperatures are at or above normal for this time of year. We had a cold snap in late February. We are expecting showers this afternoon, then will be under a wind advisory overnight. We are also under a daytime burn ban due to the aforementioned conditions.
Despite the dryness (tractors in local fields cause dust to emanate behind them), plants and animals are doing their usual springtime activities. Hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips are either blooming or are close to it. The birds are zipping about, searching for nest materials and squabbling with each other. We have not heard the spring peepers this year. Perhaps the dry conditions are affecting their presence, or nearby construction (housing units and road development) have caused their silence.
We have started seeds indoors for planting in either window boxes or raised beds. They include lettuces (3 types) and "tryouts" of outdated peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. The lettuces will go in a couple window boxes (on a table outside) and the others will get put into larger pots once they have true leaves. They will go out on sunny days and stay inside at night. Once the soil temperatures are adequate, they can move to the raised beds.
We are getting the strawberry patch ready by clearing it out and replanting baby plants. The patch also includes two pear trees that have been pruned so that they are manageable and will focus on fruiting (if the blossoms don't get blown off or frozen).
|