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What does April snow mean for your garden?

Posted at 6:29 PM, Apr 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-17 18:29:01-04

Western New York just can't seem to escape the winter weather, with snow falling mid-April in much of the region. This late burst of freezing temperatures shouldn't cause too much damage to gardens, according to horticulturist and garden writer Sally Cunningham.

"We really have to trust that we will still have freezes and frosts into May," Cunningham said. "Even up to Memorial Day sometimes, so don't jump the gun. We just have to take our time."

She recommends not taking off old mulch or removing shrub covers too soon. She also warns against brushing snow "vigorously" off frozen trees, which can cause some branches to break off.

This time of year is good for planning out which new plants you might want to add or prepare for other work that can be started once the warm weather is here to stay.

Cunningham's daffodils and lilacs have already started to bud, but she says the snow won't hurt them.

"They have a kind of antifreeze," she explained. "So when it's suddenly cold, they stop in their tracks and they will be fine. As soon as all the snow goes away, they're ready to bloom for us."

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