Embracing the Winter

A blanket of frost across our field this morning ironically brought on warm feelings and was greatly welcomed! The brisk air hitting my face as I stepped outside felt similar to the feeling when you deboard a plane in the tropics. We needed this.

The stratification required to germinate specific seeds into existence for the following year requires long periods of cold and dark weather. It is a survival mechanism that helps the seed sprout only when it is time, when spring has arrived and their chances of flourishing are higher. Sometimes gardeners will play the system and place seeds in the freezer prior to sowing. Seeds like Lavender or Bells or Ireland. With a “fake spring”, you’ll see fruit trees begin flowering too early, and a winter wind storm will rip all of the flowers off of the tree leaving you with a smaller harvest. Big sad!

Lately I have been itching to start all of my seeds for spring, but this morning frost was a good reminder to continue on embracing the winter. I am grateful for this period of dormancy, where I too am resting and stimulating my growth for spring.