Halloween Winter Storm

We got hit hard with an early winter storm on October 30-31.  This was a heavy, wet snow capable of flattening plants and breaking stems. We spent most of the day on October 29 preparing for the storm. We used every #9 wire hoop and every conduit hoop from our ‘old’ method of suspending shade cloth for growing greens in summer heat.

It seems we got lucky and our combination of hoops, row cover and an outer covering of shade cloth for extra support prevented a total mess from the snow load.   Both pictures are of the same Hakurei Turnip bed.   The first was taken October 31 after most of the snow had fallen. The bed is covered in heavy snow but our supports held up.   After the snow was cleared on November 1, we were delighted to find the turnips unscathed.   The tender greens and stems that could have been completely damaged are perfect!

It’s certainly not all pretty here at the farm after the storm. The ground is totally soaked, we need to plant garlic, a hawk is preying on our young meat birds and we’re pretty much wiped out from delivery day and storm work. But the snow is melting and we’re going to get through the last two CSA deliveries.  Big relief!