After some ups and downs, weather back to seasonal
Central Saanich farmer Jack Mar is off to a good start with his 2017 plantings, but it’s hardy crops that go in the ground this time of year.
So far, that means rhubarb and broad beans — both of which could survive a latewinter chill.
After significant snowfall last week, it looks like rain and daytime temperatures at the seasonal average will be the norm for the time being.
“It’s dry enough, it’s warm enough,” Mar said of planting conditions. “The stuff is starting to grow.”
A stream of subtropical air led to some recent double-digit temperatures, but now that it’s gone, highs should be around 8 C, said Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau.
Lows should be above normal in the 4 to 5 C range.
“It’s going to be cloudy with showers,” Charbonneau said of the next few days. “More what we’re used to.”
There seem to be no cold fronts in the immediate future, she said.
“Looking into the latter part of next week, I don’t really see any major cooldowns or anything like that,” Charbonneau said. “By the time we get to the end of February, we’re getting out of the time of year when we can get a lot of cold weather coming in.”
Still, snow in late February or March is not unheard of, she said. “You never count it out entirely just yet.”
At Ross Bay Home Hardware, another round of snow would mean placing a quick order for supplies. That’s because every snow shovel and bag of de-icer has already been snapped up.
“We have absolutely nothing left,” Peggy Massier said.
Matt Hall of Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre said gardeners are showing up in increasing numbers.
“We’re getting a lot of people in planning for the spring,” he said. “Not a lot of people really are undertaking a lot of garden renovations yet, but I think people’s minds are starting to shift toward spring purchases and spring design ideas.”
Hall said he would be happy if the snow was done for the winter.
“I just got my first rhodos in so I’m banking on it.”