Late Winter Prepping Activities
Kevin Felts 02.27.19
Late winter is probably the worst time of year. We know spring is right around the corner, but old man winter is in his death throes. Weather may be nice for a couple of days, then a front blows through with just enough rain to make everything soggy.
What is there for a prepper to do during these last few weeks of winter? Believe it or not, there is a lot we can do.
Fruit Trees
Let’s start out with fruit trees. A lot of farm supply and big box mart stores have their fruit trees in stock. This is a perfect time to get that fruit tree you have always wanted. Find out which types of fruit trees do best in your area and plant some.
In February various types of fruit trees starting blooming, which means it may be time to fertilize them. Not all fruit trees need the same type of fertilizer. For example, apple trees do well with a high nitrogen fertilizer, while fig trees do not need a lot of nitrogen.
Personally, I dislike pruning fruit trees after they have start to bloom. I like to prune in January while we are still in deep winter.
Later Winter Crops
Even though a lot of people are waiting until after the last frost has passed to plant, there are still a number of crops which can be planted.
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Greens – Turnip, spinach, carrot, and more.
- Corn – As long as there is not a harsh frost or freeze.
What happens if greens are grown in early spring? Bugs may find them and the crop could be destroyed in a matter of hours, or days. Several year ago a guy I know tried to grow greens in early spring. He called me and asked me to come over and look at his turnips. His entire crop, several rows around 75 feet long, were devoured by bugs. I told the guy something like, “That is why you grow greens in the winter.”
If someone wants to grow greens, get them planted and harvested before the bugs come out.
Depending on location, onions are an excellent late winter crop. Buy sets of onions from a local farm supply store, soak the roots in water for a day, then plant.
Read a Book
Cold, wet and miserable outside? Pick up a book and read. My current book is: The Middle Ages, Everyday Life in Medieval Europe by Jeffery L. Singman.
Planning on gardening for the first time? Pick up a book on gardening.
Getting some spring chicks? Pick up a book on raising chickens.
It is easy to sit in front of the TV or computer, but let’s take time and educate ourselves on various prepping related topics.
Personally, I prefer real books over electronic e-readers. When the power goes out, I can read one of my books at night using an LED lantern. During the day, sit next to a window and read.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I am looking forward to March and April. Around that time of year the weather here in Southeast Texas has warmed up and stabilized. The cold fronts that cause downpours of rain have tapered off.
Just another few weeks and we will be through the worst part of winter. Then let the fun begin for spring.
