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In many regions, heavy snowfalls are expected at the end of February. Snow in the garden can be both beneficial and harmful. If the wind has blown the snow cover from the shelters of heat-loving crops, it must be returned to its place. This applies to roses, grapes, strawberries and other plants that winter under shelter.
At the same time, snow must be shaken off tree branches, especially conifers. During the thaw, it becomes heavy and can cause breakage. In greenhouses, on the contrary, it is advisable to throw snow on the beds to protect the ground from freezing and ensure spring soil moistening.
When the weather warms up, the snow in the trunk circles of fruit and ornamental trees should be trampled down. This will help eliminate mouse tracks, as rodents cannot move through dense snow. For additional protection, you can spread rags soaked in tar or creolin around the plants.
Stone trees often form “snow cups” in February – dangerous crusts that cause frostbite. The snow melts during the day and freezes at night, which can damage the bark. To avoid this, you should scrape the snow off the tree trunks. If the weather permits, it is worth renewing the whitewash, because the sun’s rays reflect off the snow and heat the dark bark, which leads to its cracking.
Don't forget to protect conifers. At the end of winter, the sun can dry out the needles, so the plants should be covered with burlap, non-woven material, or installed scattering nets.
Hungry hares actively leave the forests at this time and can damage young trees. To avoid this, it is necessary to install special protection on the trunks.
For feathered helpers, it is worth filling the feeders. The birds will help fight pests that will wake up with the onset of heat.
After snowfalls, you can collect clean snow - melt water is ideal for watering seedlings and houseplants.
