The Upside to Snow, and Antsy Gardeners

With the constant , it's hard to imagine a time when seedlings sprout through the top of garden beds. But this is precisely the time to be thinking about it, according to Nyack and Piermont gardeners.

"When all the grass and plants are covered in snow, it's easier to see the 'bones' of the yard and envision new landscaping and planting projects,” said Jennifer Hausler, a Nyack resident and author of the blog Nyack Backyard. 

"From looking at where the snow sticks and where it melts, you can also determine where the drier, elevated areas of the yard might be, areas that might have wetter soil and areas that might be warmer or more protected," Hausler added.

Hausler grows a large variety of vegetables and herbs in her backyard, and laying hens provide her family with fresh eggs. And with Spring approaching, Hausler is deciding what to plant this year.

"Last year, I started my tomatoes too early and they had outgrown their pots by the last frost date," she explained. "So right now I’m taking inventory and looking for a warm sunny spot to start seeds."

At Hook Mountain Growers, a micro-farm in Upper Nyack, owners Charlie Paolino and Pamela Yee have been busy making hundreds of seed blocks—small rectangles of soil, one for each seedling. What started as an interest in growing their own food has turned into a successful business with a local customer-base.

"Seeds have been ordered and are coming in daily," Paolino explained. "We are starting to take pre-orders for our seedlings. It gives us the chance to grow what others want in their gardens and we usually grow the unusual, the rare and heirloom varieties that one can't get in any box store."

Its not all hard labor, though. 

"Last week I went outside, looked for the bumps in the snow where the plants are, pushed all the snow aside from the plants and clipped a bunch of collards and kale for dinner," Paolino said. "As you know, the frost causes the kale to sweeten so it is quite amazing to eat."

"Another upside to the snow and the winter is that it forces us inside to rest, rejuvenate and rethink plans for the next season," Paolino added. "This is where the magic happens—cabin fever produces all sorts of inspiration and creative ideas for the next season."

"This year, my chickens who were on winter egg-laying hiatus began to lay again on Groundhog Day,” Hausler finished. "I always feel a little cheerier when I know the days are lengthening, so I’d say I only want to believe in him on the days he says spring is coming."

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