Some mild regions allow year-round outdoor gardening without protection. These places rarely snow. In less temperate climates, snow has undoubtedly fallen or may fall shortly.
Snow is 90-95% air, making it a good insulator. To be warm in cold weather, the Inuit fashioned igloos from ice and dense snow.
1. Snow Acts as an Insulator
Snow covers the garden, regulating temperature. In early and late winter, overnight temperatures can drop to freezing. Snow shields plants from frost-thaw cycles.
2. Snow Stops Temperature Changes
Another great benefit of snow is nitrogen to soil. People call it “poor man’s fertilizer.” Plants get nitrogen from snow and rain. Rain makes the garden lush and colorful.
3. Snow Delivers Nitrogen
Even though summer is past, you should still water your overwintering perennials. Newly planted perennials need this in their first winter.
4. Snow Delivers Water
The different forms of mulch protect soil from erosion, contribute organic matter, and preserve moisture. Snow has some of these benefits too!
5. Snow is Nature’s Mulch
Snow's chilly, moist conditions let some seedlings sprout in April. Outdoor seeding in autumn or winter causes cold stratification. Many plants dry and seed in fall.
6. Snow is a Seed Starter
Freshly fallen snow may reveal garden visitors or residents' tracks. Seeing tracks is a nice reward for wildlife-friendly landscaping.