The Garden Bug: The Importance of Snow

By Brenda Weaver

As snowflakes form in the clouds and fall to the earth, they collects nitrogen and other particulates like sulfur from the atmosphere. These nutrients will serve as natural fertilizers later on. As these flakes collect on the ground importance and form thick, mounded heaps of snow, this provides excellent insulation and shelter for the vulnerable garden beds beneath.

The soil, the organisms in the soil and root systems are now protected from severe temperature fluctuations and icy winds. As the months become warmer, the melting snow gently releases moisture and nutrients into the soil.

Sources: nsidc.org, www.almanac.com,mothernaturesapprentice.com