The Winter Solstice December 21, 2023

 

Sunday, December 21, 2023, is the Winter Solstice. This is an astronomical event that occurs because our world is tilted on its axis with respect to our orbit around the sun, a fact that explains the seasons in our temperate zones.

Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. The shortest day and the longest night of the year. It marks a turn in the seasons as the length of the days get longer.

Even though daylight slowly increases after the solstice, many places don’t see their coldest days until mid-January. This happens because the Northern Hemisphere continues to lose more heat than it gains for several more weeks. The oceans – which take longer than land to heat up and cool down – play a role in this seasonal temperature lag. Only after the Northern Hemisphere starts to receive more solar energy than it loses do average temperatures begin to increase.

What else is interesting in December around the time of the Winter Solstice?

At this time of year, it is often a time of honoring the earth and the cycle of nature. Folklore predicts weather from the breast bone of the Thanksgiving turkey to the band on a woolly bear caterpillar. 

Stormfax.com lists these.

• If the breast bone of the Thanksgiving goose is red or has many spots, expect a cold and stormy Winter; but if only a few spots are visible, expect a mild Winter.
  
• The severity of Winter is determined by how far down the feathers have grown on a partridge's leg.
• The wider the brown (middle) band on a woolly bear caterpillar, the milder the Winter.
• The nearer the New Moon to Christmas Day, the harder the Winter.
• If there is thunder in Winter, it will snow 7 days later.

We have traditions and rituals that are often at the forefront of activities for both communities and families.

Homemade creations from paper chains, garlands, snowflakes, and dolls is a holiday tradition in many cultures. Bringing greens and natural materials inside as decorations, such as trees, wreaths, swags, and centerpieces, also brings in the fresh fragrance of the outdoors. There are advent calendars, Yule logs, and special meals ending with special desserts. After the main course is cleared, a reminder to "Keep your fork" usually indicates that the best is yet to come- a wonderful dessert!

If you are in the mood, go to https://www.timeanddate.com/news/calendar/7-weird-christmas-traditions to find out about

Goat Demons (Austria) - Cageners in the nativity scene (Catalonia) - Carved Radishes - Singing Horse Skulls (Wales) - An Alcoholic Witch (Italy)

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HERB SAMPLER Second Edition

Buy one for yourself and consider getting a few more as the winter holidays approach – hostess gifts, housewarming and holiday presents.

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is exclusively sold retail at Snavely's Garden Center, Chambersburg or available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it. 

Here Comes Winter - Got salt?

 

Ice-laden trees provide an icy wonderland effect

Waking up this morning to a beautiful but icy wonderland, it was a reminder to find the bag of “salt” in preparation for the next winter event. It’s not really salt in the bag but calcium chloride.

Icy surfaces can be hazardous to your wintertime health so removing snow and ice is a priority. You don’t want to be quoting the Muppets all day – “Watch out for the icy patch!”

Oops!

 Although safety first, gardeners also want to consider run-off damage to lawns and gardens. A special challenge is for plants near roadways, sidewalks and other hardscape areas so gardeners might consider a salt tolerant garden. The Penn State Extension Service in Montgomery County has a demonstration salt tolerant garden with more information on their Website.

Chemical deicers come in various forms - pellets, flakes and liquids - but research shows that pellets from 1/16" to 3/16" work faster.  Regardless of the type, overuse causes problems. Only use as much as necessary.

Don't overuse deicers

Sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, melts ice down to 25 degrees and is inexpensive but it can burn plants as well as corrode metal and concrete. It is the most harmful, seriously injuring or killing plants near sidewalks or paved areas. Additionally, when it washed into storm drains, it is a nonpoint source of pollution to waterways impacting fish and marine life.

Rock Salt Damage to Grass

Other chemical choices include calcium chloride which melts ice down to -25 degrees. Overuse can harm plants. Potassium chloride is effective to 12 degrees and is a fertilizer; however, overuse can be deadly to plants. Urea, ammonia and carbon dioxide, works down to 15 degrees. Although used as a fertilizer, high concentrations can harm plants. Calcium magnesium acetate, a salt-free deicer using dolomitic limestone and acetic acid, is effective down to 5 degrees and is particularly useful in environmentally sensitive areas.

For areas where deicers can't be used, sand or kitty litter can provide traction but also can be a source of nonpoint pollution.

~ Carol Kagan, Master Gardener

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                                              HERB SAMPLER Second Edition

Buy one for yourself and consider getting a few more as the winter holidays approach – hostess gifts, housewarming and holiday presents.

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.