Winter Gardening

With another ice storm about to hit large parts of the Country, most folks are not thinking about gardening. But, if you wish to have a nice Spring garden, you can get started now.

This is a fine time to plan. Look at seed catalogues and gardening guides to find varieties you want in your garden. Get an idea of how you need to space them and how quickly they grow. Then, you can sketch out a simple plan of your plot's layout. Walk around (be careful if you have ice) and get a mental picture of what you want and where you want it. If you are in an area that gets no snow and ice, you can even start to mark out your plot, using string to lay out the lines.

Some plants can be started now, using a neat trick. Build a small box, and put a sheet of glass over the top. You now have a mini greenhouse. Even when it's very cold out, you can start seedlings and be ready, when the weather breaks, to set out hardy little plants. Note: some plants do not like being transplanted, so consult your garden guide or a local nursery for advice.

Finally, this is an excellent time to spend some time with your tools. You want every blade sharpened and a; engines properly serviced. When the warm weather comes, you want to be ready.

Winter is Coming

I live in South Georgia, and while it does get cold, it's not the bitter cold of the North. Right now, it's quite toasty and that seems to be the case over much of the Country.

But, Winter will be here and it's a good idea to be ready. Make sure your heating devices are working well. Freezing weather can hit without a lot of notice and you do not want temperatures to drop to 20 and discover you have no heat. Re[airmen will be busy and you might have to wait days. Also, make sure you furnace has enough of whatever fuel you use.

If your car battery is getting old, you may want to consider going ahead with replacing it. Very cold weather can kill a battery, but your odds are better with a new battery.

Look around your house and check windows and doors for leaks. Weather stripping, properly installed can save you a whole lot of money.

If you have an outdoor swimming pool. and have not yet had it shut down, get to it. Do it yourself if you can, call a service if not. Basically, you want to drain the water at the pump, add stabilizer and. cover it with a pool blanket. Then, some warm weather, it will be easy to get it up and running again.

I know that most of you have heard this advice and I hate to be redundant, but a Practical American is always ready for weather changes. Being ready can save you time, money and aggravation.