Global warming has been a topic of much discussion for quite a while now. Former Vice President Al Gore even won a prize for his movie on the subject.
If global warming is actually occurring, it isn't anywhere near our garden. We've endured early morning temperatures in the twenties for over a week now, and early morning temperatures in the teens for 3 days. In fact, the predicted high today is 28 degrees, which is, if I heard them right, according to our local weather station, about 20 degrees below normal for this time of year.
When temperatures are this low, a gardener and owner of backyard chickens must take many precautions for the safety of his animals and plants.
First and foremost is water. All water in our garden has been frozen now for over a week. Although most of the days have been sunny, water in our birdbaths and pet waterers has not thawed, even during the warmest part of the day. Water is necessary for survival, even when temperatures are in the teens. Make sure your animals have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Provide an area of shelter out of the wind for your animals during these freezing weather episodes. If possible, provide heat or a heated blanket or even allow your pets indoors at night.
About the plants, I don't know what to tell you about that. Container plants should be watered at least every few days, but I can't make myself stand out there with a hose when it's this cold.
Here at Shady Gardens, we're all eagerly anticipating next Wednesday, when temperatures are supposed to climb into the 50's that afternoon. And still, the night time temperatures will again drop down into the teens...
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