Spring 2024 has been one for the books. With 96 mph winds that blew through ripping out fences along the way, to a major winter storm of May, it’s been a wild ride. But then, the weather on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada is like that. Just when it suits you, everything changes.
During April, we enjoyed some gorgeous days with temperatures hovering in the mid-70’s. It doesn’t get better than that. The trees of Winterpast thought so, too. All the fruit trees have bloomed, including the Granny Smith, a wedding present from Miss B. The bloom started early with the apricots and plum tree. Following them, the cherry trees gave quite the show. The crab apple is now in the last days of her glorious pink blossoms.
Each tree has had so many bee visitors, a loud buzz can be heard when walking by. No time for stinging attacks, they’re after the pollen.
With all these trees heavy with tiny fruit about now, the news last Friday would frighten any gardener. Especially those that’ve worked as hard as HHH and I have.
“Winter Storm Warning — possibly 2″ of snow on the valley floor by Sunday”.
One thing a farmer learns early in their career. You can’t fight Mother Nature. It’s just not possible, so prepare for the worst. And forget about waving your fists and they sky and getting your panties in a bunch. The wind and clouds don’t care.
For the hundreds of planted seedlings, there wasn’t much we could do. About 200 were still in the greenhouse until transferred into our house. The best frost protection is on the dining room table at Winterpast.
Everyone else survived 50 mph winds. As the trees ripped and rolled around in the gusts, the crops thinned (which needed to happen). A large portion of our apricot crop fell to the ground (at least 350 apricots).
For two days, we worried about how low the temperature would drop. Luckily, it hovered above 32 degrees, so everything survived.
The zucchini plants, now about 3′ in diameter and supporting baby squash, as well as the Hearts of Gold cantaloupe suffered a little wind damage. The onions, garlic, and potatoes, (all pretty hearty), made it just fine.
The Best News of All! The greenhouse stood up to the wind just fine. Not one window blew out and not even the tiniest bit of damage occurred. Finally, we have a chance at enjoying the greenhouse for some years to come!
A bit of news from the High Sierra’s this morning. Last weekend, 2′ of snow fell at Palisades Ski Resort. Some years it’s hard to predict what will happen with the weather, but this fresh snow will allow the some Tahoe ski resorts to stay open until Memorial Day.
Wherever you find yourself today, be grateful if you are enjoying 70 degree weather. Today, we’re again in the 70’s. With summer just around the corner, we’ll soon be wishing for the mild and beautiful days of spring.
More tomorrow.