As the warm days of summer draw closer and closer, the seasonal transformation is taking place in our yards and homes. We’ve brought our lawn furniture, sun-bleached and ready for countless hours of outdoor relaxation. Simultaneously, we’ve also retrieved our trusty lawnmowers from the garage, their eager to tackle the grass, signaling the official start of our outdoor maintenance season.
Despite the cooler-than-anticipated temperatures that have caused a noticeable slowdown in the overall growth within our garden this month, we are pleased to share some encouraging updates on the progress of our springtime plantings. While the plants may be taking their time to fully flourish, we are already starting to see positive signs of life, particularly with our garden beans, which have successfully sprouted. Additionally, we are anticipating a very near harvest of our Simpson Black-Seeded Lettuce, a welcome addition to our kitchen table.
Today’s gardening activities include sowing seeds for summer squash and cucumbers, marking a key step in preparing for a bountiful harvest. In addition to this, we are acclimating our young red pepper plants, ensuring they gradually adjust to outdoor conditions, setting the stage for a productive pepper crop this season.
Welcoming dandelions as a sign of spring, rather than seeing them as weeds needing herbicide, is a healthy choice. Dandelions provide food for pollinators, essential for our strawberries and garden vegetables. Avoiding pesticides and herbicides results in a healthy lawn that can support rabbits and robins. Rabbits eat the “weeds,” and robins eat grubs and caterpillars, keeping our lawn healthy.
This past April presented a rather unusual blend of weather, featuring pockets of surprisingly warm, summery days juxtaposed with the unwelcome reality of several frosts. Undeterred by this unpredictable climate, we moved forward with our spring planting endeavors, focusing on establishing a diverse range of crops. Specifically, we planted bush beans, pumpkins, and sunflowers, all with the optimistic goal of outsmarting any lingering threat of a late frost. In addition to these main plantings, we also took the opportunity to thoroughly fill out our existing rows of lettuce and radishes, ensuring a bountiful harvest of these quick-growing greens. Beyond the established garden beds, our attention also extended to the indoor starter trays, where we are diligently implementing a gradual acclimation process. These young seedlings are being carefully introduced to outdoor conditions, spending increasing amounts of time outdoors on sunny days, thereby preparing them for their eventual transplanting into the garden.
With May’s lingering threat of overnight frost warnings still casting a shadow, we are exercising caution and postponing the planting of our carefully nurtured, indoor-sown tomato plants, patiently awaiting the arrival of consistently warmer temperatures. Despite this, the garden is already showing signs of vibrant life. We are delighted to observe the emergence of our garden beans, signaling the start of a bountiful harvest, while the Simpson Black Seeded Lettuce and radishes are thriving, their lush greens and vibrant colors adding an optimistic touch to the garden beds. Capitalizing on the gradually increasing temperatures and the welcome spring rains, we’ve also extended our culinary options by setting out containers brimming with fresh dill and parsley, their fragrant leaves promising to enhance our meals. Adding a touch of whimsy and potential bounty to our outdoor space, we have planted pumpkins and sunflowers in our ledge garden, which borders the driveway, anticipating their cheerful blooms and eventual harvests in the coming months.
We are very excited to share that the process of transitioning our indoor seedlings to their permanent outdoor summer residences has officially begun! The first batch to make the move were our vibrant cherry tomatoes, carefully lifted from their cozy indoor starter trays and gently settled into their own, larger outdoor pots. We can already envision these plump, juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor, perfectly complementing fresh summer salads and adding a delightful touch to our favorite summer squash dishes.
Also, Day of the Broadcast Spreader – Update: April 9-11, 2026 – What’s Growing – Asparagus – Protecting the Garden – Update: Garden Beans Set
This year marks a significant expansion of our outdoor gardening endeavors. We are enhancing our “weather garden” by considerably enlarging its footprint and enriching the soil with a blend of high-quality topsoil and nutrient-rich cow manure compost. To ensure optimal conditions for planting, we prepared the garden beds using our electric tiller, creating a fine tilth for the upcoming seeding of carrots, radishes, and the hardy Simpson black-seeded lettuce. In addition to these preparations, we also dedicated attention to our root vegetable patch by incorporating desert sand, which we carefully raked into the soil to improve drainage and texture, further optimizing the growing environment for these valuable crops.
Following the seed planting process, I use a simple yet effective method of row identification: I insert small wooden sticks into the soil alongside the newly sown seeds, often accompanied by the original seed packets for easy reference. My current planting plan anticipates an early harvest, with the nimble radishes and crisp lettuce leaves expected to be ready for consumption within approximately one month. The more patient carrots, on the other hand, are slated to provide their rooty bounty closer to the end of the growing season, fulfilling the promise of a sustained and varied harvest throughout the months to come.
The last frost date for northern New Jersey is expected to be May 1, 2026
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
last frost date in northern New Jersey
This April, I’ve dedicated extra hours to lawn care using my broadcast spreader. A key focus has been applying pellet lime to effectively address the lawn’s pH balance and promote the natural release of essential nutrients within the soil. Simultaneously, I’ve been actively engaged in overseeding, a practice aimed at cultivating a denser, more robust, and ultimately, a carpet-like lawn texture. As a strong advocate for a healthy and safe environment, I make a conscious effort to cultivate my lawn using natural and eco-friendly practices. I prioritize the well-being of my family, pets, local wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem by strictly avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides in my lawn care routine.
“I prioritize the well-being of my family, pets, local wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem by strictly avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides in my lawn care routine.”
rt23 staff
Although we’ve experienced some unexpectedly warm weather recently, which might give the false impression that summer is just around the corner, the recent shift in the climate has been quite noticeable, and unfortunately, we were met with a frosty morning after a cold night.
The old, slightly worn carpet, placed over my garden bed back in the fall, has become an unexpected haven – a perfect spot for taking a much-needed break and for planning the transformation of the new garden in “Maggie’s Farm.” With springtime in full bloom, I started the preparations by thoroughly clean the area, carefully removing and collecting all the accumulated debris to clear the space for the new season.
We are preparing a designated strip of land situated adjacent to the retaining wall, with the objective of establishing a pumpkin patch for the upcoming season. This preparatory work involves a focused clean-up operation, concentrating on the efficient removal of accumulated debris, including fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic matter, as well as addressing the proliferation of weeds that are currently encroaching from the neighboring areas, particularly those growing through the existing fence line.
I am planning to till this before planting pumpkin seed.
Indoors: Our indoor starting trays are not growing as planned. The temperature in my basement is only 65° F, so I tried raising the temperature to 70° F. So far the cherry tomato seeds have been most productive. I dont have as many beefsteak tomatoes as I would like so I planted another tray. THe eggplant sprouted but then fizzled out so I will be planting another tray as well as some additional; beefsteak tomato and mexican sunflowers. I put thr sunflowers in a warmer, sunier spot and they quickly germanated, I alsoput the eggplant tray there too and will wait for the mageic to happen!Q
Outdoors: Our outdoor garden survived several nights of frost and our radishes and lettuce has germinated and green leaves are visible.
Approximately fifteen years ago, I planted asparagus, and initially, the results were quite inconsistent, with only a scattering of spears appearing over time. My early attempts at harvesting were unsuccessful because I hadn’t realized the importance of looking for the tender shoots in the early spring months. Instead, I focused on observing the plant’s growth throughout the summer, noting the development of the tall, leafy fronds. After carefully observing the location where the asparagus plants were producing spears, I was able to pinpoint the area and, as a result, enjoyed my first successful asparagus harvest the following year.
While my current asparagus patch yields a modest harvest of spears, I believe that significantly better results could be achieved with increased care and attention to the bed. Asparagus plants are known to flourish in well-maintained conditions, specifically in soil that is free from the challenges of weeds and rocks. Unfortunately, my North Jersey garden soil presents these very obstacles, making the task of cultivation somewhat challenging. Nevertheless, even with the presence of overgrown weeds and the rocky nature of the soil, I am still able to manage a small, though welcome, annual asparagus harvest.
This year, I embarked on a new gardening adventure by planting fresh asparagus roots, carefully preparing the soil to ensure their successful establishment. First, I thoroughly soaked the roots in water to hydrate them before gently laying them into a meticulously dug 5-inch deep trench. After placement, I covered them with fertile soil, providing the necessary foundation for their growth. To ensure easy identification of the rows as they develop, I strategically used iris plants as natural markers. Now, with anticipation, I await the passage of a year, knowing that a modest, yet rewarding, asparagus harvest will be the result of this patient endeavor.
Many types of wildlife, including rodents, various insects, birds, and other creatures, are naturally drawn to the delicious vegetables that our garden provides. While it’s certainly appealing to think of sharing our hard-earned produce, it’s also important to protect our crops. Fortunately, effective and relatively simple pest management techniques can help maintain a thriving garden while minimizing unwanted visitors and their potential damage to our plants and harvests.
“effective and relatively simple pest management techniques can help maintain a thriving garden while minimizing unwanted visitors and their potential damage to our plants and harvests.”
rt23 staff
To effectively protect your garden from unwanted visitors like groundhogs, rabbits, and deer, consider a natural deterrent like using cayenne pepper. Begin this preventative measure early, ideally even before you plant anything, to gradually train the local animals to steer clear of your cultivated area. A simple yet effective technique involves sprinkling cayenne pepper liberally along the perimeter of your garden borders.
April 23, 2026 The “weather garden” featuring our lettuce and radishes is thriving, showing promising signs of growth. We recently dedicated the remaining portion of our garden space to cultivate three rows of bush garden beans, preparing the soil meticulously by raking it thoroughly. Our plan is to grow bush beans in this newly prepared area, while pole beans will be strategically planted along the fence line and within the area of our bird shrine.
As Spring 2026 has officially arrived and is in full swing, we are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to dedicate our time and energy to rejuvenating our outdoor spaces. Although the purchase and arrangement of new lawn furniture will have to take a backseat to more immediate needs, our current focus is squarely on essential tasks such as applying pellet lime to nourish the soil and strategically sowing premium grass seed to ensure a lush, vibrant lawn. In addition to these lawn care activities, we are also diligently working to prepare our vegetable and flower beds, meticulously cultivating the soil and removing any winter debris to create the ideal environment for a bountiful array of spring plants.
It is such a welcome change to see the snow finally disappear, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we won’t be hit by a surprise late-spring snowstorm. With the colder months behind us, our decks and patios are now bustling with activity as we are eager to take advantage of the pleasant weather and enjoy some much-needed time outdoors after being cooped up inside for so long.
Well a few warm days do not amount to a summer. The weather turn and we experienced some frost last night
Field Mice – Tomato and Eggplant – Winter-sown – Flower Seed Starting – March Lawn Care – Daffodils (almost!) –
With the arrival of March, we find ourselves once again preparing our garden for the upcoming growing season, which means it’s time to replenish our essential seed starting supplies and planting trays. Specifically, peat pellets are absolutely at the top of our priority list this month, as they are so crucial for getting our seedlings off to a healthy start. Beyond that, we’re also making sure to stock up on high-quality beefsteak tomato, cherry tomato and eggplant seeds, ensuring we have a diverse and bountiful harvest later in the year. The good news is, we were smart enough to save our planting trays from last year’s gardening adventures, so we’ll be happily reusing them this season, reducing waste and getting a head start on our gardening tasks!
I recently found something unusual in my lawn, I noticed the appearance of numerous holes and what appear to be snakelike markings across the grass. After some research to understand the cause, I’ve concluded that these are being caused by field mice or voles, which are apparently quite active beneath the current snowpack, creating tunnels and pathways through the ground.
Although they look bad, these trails generally do not permanently damage the lawn, and the grass usually recovers on its own or with light raking and reseeding.
As soon as the winter snow has fully melted away and the ground is workable, I will start my annual spring lawn preparation. This will involve thoroughly raking to remove all the accumulated dead grass, fallen leaves, and any small branches that may have been left behind by the harsh winter storms. Following this initial clearing, I plan to make a trip to my local garden center to purchase pelletized lime. The purpose of the lime is to help neutralize the soil, which often becomes acidic after the winter months. Once the lime has been applied, I will rely on the spring rains to naturally dissolve and distribute the lime throughout the soil, ensuring an optimal environment for healthy plant growth. After the lime has had sufficient time to work its magic, I will then proceed with planting new grass seed to rejuvenate my lawn for the upcoming growing season.
It’s that wonderful time of year again – time to get a head start on my garden by starting the vegetable and flower indoors, preparing for the spring planting season. I’ve prepared by reusing my trusty seedling trays from last year’s successful harvest and stocked up on a fresh box of peat pellets, ensuring a healthy and sustainable start for my seedlings. I kicked things off with some exciting varieties, including cherry tomatoes and eggplants, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my beefsteak tomato seeds. Beyond the delicious edibles, I’m also nurturing a colorful array of flowers, including cheerful African daisies and the vibrant Mexican sunflowers, promising a beautiful display later in the season.
Although our winter-sown sunflower bottles endured a covering of snow from the February storms, the resilient seedlings now appear to be progressing well, suggesting they will indeed give our flower garden a significant and welcome head start this season.
I recently prepared a tray using peat pellets and sowed African Daisies seeds. This is my first attempt at cultivating these vibrant flowers, and I am optimistic about the prospect of establishing a small, yet impressive, field of them outdoors in the near future.
To prepare for the upcoming growing season, I started by reusing the plastic seed trays from last year’s garden. These were thoroughly cleaned and then filled with a fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix to provide the seedlings with an optimal starting environment. As part of my sustainable gardening practices, I also took great care to harvest and preserve the seeds from the marigold flowers that bloomed in my garden last fall. Now, I am excited to use these naturally collected marigold seeds to add color, fragrance, and pest-repelling benefits to this year’s garden plans.
With the snow finally gone, I am thrilled to finally kick off the gardening season and get an early start on tending to my lawn. The initial task at hand is leaf and thatch removal through raking. Last autumn, I intentionally left some yard debris in place, hoping to encourage the presence of beneficial insects like butterflies, lightning bugs, and other pollinators to enhance the health and vibrancy of my garden ecosystem. However, as I embark on this spring cleanup, a nagging concern has emerged: I am now wondering if my well-intentioned approach might inadvertently be providing a breeding ground for less welcome visitors, such as mosquitoes and ticks. Regardless, I am diligently getting to work, thoroughly raking the accumulated leaves and thatch to prepare my lawn for the growing season ahead.
March 17, 2026 – The green of yellow of daffodil bulbs is now peeking through the soil in our garden, signaling the arrival of spring and leading the colorful parade of blooming flowers! Seeing these cheerful blossoms emerge is such a welcome sight after enduring the long, snowy winter months we’ve recently experienced.
March 9 – March 19 – Birdfeeder
With the arrival of March, the anticipation for Spring is palpable throughout Northern New Jersey. Following a significant February snowstorm that left a blanket of white across the region, we are currently experiencing a welcome respite from the harsh winter conditions. The weather has softened considerably, with temperatures gradually climbing towards the comfortable 50°F mark, offering a promising glimpse of the season ahead.
With warmer temperatures and the snow cover has melted, we’ve found ourselves increasingly drawn to the comfort and enjoyment of our patio area. While basking in these brief moments of spring-like warmth, we’ve also initiated our annual spring cleanup, eager to revitalize our outdoor spaces. Nevertheless we were too optimistic, March being March, the weather has abruptly shifted back to its characteristic seasonal patterns, with temperatures dipping into the twenties and thirties, reminding us of winter’s lingering grip.
With the recent rise in temperatures, fluctuating between the comfortable fifties and even into the sixties, the presence of emerging bears in the area has become a concern. Recognizing this potential challenge, I have been proceeding with a degree of caution regarding the feeding options available to our feathered friends. Specifically, I’ve been concentrating my efforts on maintaining the tube feeder, ensuring it remains adequately stocked with seed. The suet feeder, unfortunately, has been temporarily sidelined, as it has become an increasingly attractive, and thus vulnerable, target for the bears. However, as the temperature experienced a noticeable dip recently, an interesting shift in bird behavior was observed. I noticed my usual visitors, the vibrant red-bellied woodpeckers and the nuthatches, displaying a clear and persistent interest in finding suet. Recognizing their needs and the changing conditions, I made the decision to refill the suet feeder, hoping to provide a suitable and safe food source during these transitional times.
With the official arrival of Daylight Savings Time, we’ve been treated to unexpectedly warm temperatures, even reaching into the 60s here in Northern New Jersey. The melting snow has been a welcome sight, gradually revealing our dormant lawns and long-hidden garden paths, which have been out of view for far too many months. This seasonal shift also presents the perfect opportunity to open windows and circulate fresh, revitalized air throughout our homes, ushering in a sense of renewal and optimism as we anticipate the coming of spring.
The month of February concluded with the region experiencing the wrath of a severe weather event, specifically a bomb cyclone blizzard, which brought significant snowfall and challenging conditions not only to Northern New Jersey but also blanketed the entire northeastern United States.
The task of clearing the snow after the recent snowfall was made more manageable thanks to a combined effort, utilizing a variety of tools including snow shovels and an electric snowblower. Fortunately, the milder temperatures that followed the storm also greatly contributed to the ease of the cleanup process, making it less arduous than it might otherwise have been. In stark contrast, the previous snowstorm had brought with it an atmosphere of arctic cold, with the mercury plummeting to single digits and teens, and the wind chill factors intensifying the harsh conditions to levels reaching twenty degrees below zero, making outdoor work extremely challenging during that period.
In our ongoing commitment to supporting the local wildlife, particularly during these challenging winter months, we made sure that our bird feeders were consistently replenished with a variety of suet and various types of seeds to cater to the diverse tastes and needs of our feathered friends in the neighborhood.
January 2026 came to a close with a significant winter event, a powerful snowstorm that resulted in accumulations of up to seventeen inches across northern New Jersey. The arrival of February brought with it a sharp change in the weather, as the region experienced a surge of exceptionally cold temperatures and strong, biting winds that characterized the month so far.
As we move into the second week of February 2026, many of us are eagerly anticipating a respite from the relentless winter chill that has plagued our region, even causing some to experience the inconvenience of frozen water pipes. The latest weather forecasts offer a glimmer of hope, predicting a shift towards warmer, more seasonally appropriate temperatures. Although the past few weeks have been characterized by bitterly cold conditions, there have been occasional bright spots, with sunny days managing to provide a degree of comfort and make the harsh conditions just slightly more bearable.
With the persistent blanket of snow and the unrelenting frigid temperatures continuing to impact our region, we’ve observed increased stress levels within our local bird population. To mitigate these challenges and ensure our feathered friends have access to necessary sustenance, we are now replenishing our bird feeders on a daily basis to provide them with a reliable food source during these difficult winter conditions.
Instead of relying solely on expensive winter hiking boots, I’ve discovered that attaching crampons to my sturdy work boots has been an absolute game-changer when navigating icy patches. After experiencing numerous slips and falls on ice during the previous winter, I recognized the urgent need for a reliable solution to improve safety while simply walking on my own driveway. After some research, I found that crampons offered an incredibly cost-effective and practical way to significantly enhance the traction of even my most basic, inexpensive work boots, making them much safer to wear in icy conditions.
Winter Storm Fern has come and gone leaving behind seventeen inches of snow in lower West Milford N.J.. I got my SUV out of the driveway and took a victory lap around town only to find all the streets showing blacktop
The snow is falling again this morning, though thankfully, it appears to be a relatively light snowfall, and so far, it hasn’t caused any significant disruptions to our daily routines. While our driveway thankfully received a thorough plowing earlier, the cars are still partially buried, and the sidewalks and walkways around the house are in dire need of clearing. I am currently putting on my brave face and attempting to summon the motivation to head outside and tackle the snowy mess that awaits.
While the heavy snowfall of the recent winter storm seems to have finally abated, and thankfully, the local roads within our neighborhood are now passable, the situation on the county road leading out remains quite different. Specifically, the county road still bears a thick blanket of snow, with just a faint track suggesting where vehicles have managed to squeeze through. As a result of the persistent snow, our vehicles are currently entombed, and we anticipate a considerable effort will be required to excavate them. It’s worth noting, despite the general improvement, our driveway, unfortunately, has yet to receive any plowing services.
After what felt like an eternity of unrelenting snowfall, it appears the blizzard has finally subsided, offering a fragile sense of calm to our snow-laden surroundings. While there’s still a noticeable amount of wind-driven snow creating localized drifts, the most prominent activity outside my window is the steady, tireless work of plow trucks, the only vehicles venturing out amidst the remaining wintery conditions. Beyond the essential efforts to clear the roads, an unusual quiet has settled, a stark contrast to the chaos of the storm’s peak, allowing for a moment to appreciate the momentary peace.
updated: 835 PM EST Sun Jan 25 2026
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY…
TONIGHT
Snow early this evening, then a chance of freezing rain and snow after midnight. Total snow accumulation of 12 to 16 inches. Additional ice accumulation around a trace. Lows around 13. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 3 below.
MONDAY
Mostly cloudy with a chance of light snow in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40 percent.
After braving the elements and returning from clearing snow from both of our cars, it’s become painfully evident that Mother Nature has no intention of slowing down. It appears as though we’ve received yet another foot of snow since the first snowfall this morning. Adding insult to injury, we just witnessed a county plow making its way up the street, but the relentless blizzard continues, with snow still falling heavily. We are measuring twenty inches of snow accumulation so far!
updated: 316 PM EST Sun Jan 25 2026
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY…
TONIGHT
Snow, a slight chance of sleet and freezing rain this evening, then snow with a chance of freezing rain after midnight. Areas of blowing snow this evening with visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Ice accumulation around a trace. Lows around 15. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 2 below.
MONDAY
Mostly cloudy with a chance of light snow with a slight chance of light freezing rain in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
It’s still snowing!!
rt23 staff
Latest update:
updated: 1039 AM EST Sun Jan 25 2026
…WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY…
TODAY
Snow, then snow and sleet this afternoon. Snow may be heavy at times. Snow and sleet accumulation of 4 to 8 inches. Cold with highs around 16. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 6 below.
TONIGHT
Snow and sleet, mainly in the evening. Total snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches. Lows around 15. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
MONDAY
Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow 50 percent.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of our snow clearing operations, we have a strategy of working in short, focused bursts, interspersed with necessary rest periods. We proactively cleared our vehicles of snow and ice earlier today and will repeat this process again shortly, given the current forecast predicting freezing rain. This anticipated weather condition is expected to significantly increase the challenges and complexities associated with our snow removal tasks.
First Sighting: Passaic County snow plows have been spotted operating on Union Valley Road, also known as County Road 513, located in West Milford, New Jersey. The current road conditions are notably unfavorable, as the roadway is entirely blanketed by snow, with no asphalt surface visible.
updated: 1039 AM EST Sun Jan 25 2026
…WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY…
TODAY
Snow, then snow and sleet this afternoon. Snow may be heavy at times. Snow and sleet accumulation of 4 to 8 inches. Cold with highs around 16. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph this afternoon. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 6 below.
TONIGHT
Snow and sleet, mainly in the evening. Total snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches. Lows around 15. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
MONDAY
Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow 50 percent.
With the heavy snow blanketing our region, it’s become quite evident just how much our backyard bird feeders are appreciated. We’ve observed a significant increase in activity, with a diverse array of feathered friends making regular visits. The seed feeders are a bustling hub of activity, with cheerful chickadees, energetic tufted titmice, vibrant cardinals, and the characteristic slate-colored juncos, whom we affectionately call “snowbirds,” all eagerly participating in the feast. Meanwhile, our suet feeders have also become popular destinations, attracting the percussive presence of both red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, who are diligently searching for tasty treats amidst the snowy landscape.
A fine snow is falling and the temperature is a frigid 5°F. The trackless county road is covered with snow. The birdfeeders are busy with snow birds
…WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY…
– NWS
Following a crisp, cold, and surprisingly sunny day, where the brisk temperatures barely managed to climb above single digits, the temperature is now a frigid 10°F and will drop even further into the single digits. The National Weather Service has issued a warning, forecasting a significant winter storm that will blanket the region with a substantial eight to ten inches of snow. Furthermore, they anticipate additional snowfall accumulating throughout Sunday night, potentially turning already challenging conditions into a near-impassable landscape. The sky is now completely overcast, heavy with the promise of precipitation, the air crackles with an almost palpable sense of an impending blizzard, making it abundantly clear that the snowfall, and the accompanying chaos, feels close.
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO
-National Weather Service – January 24, 2026
6 PM EST MONDAY…
The latest foreccast is Snow. Snow may be heavy at times. Snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches. Cold with highs around 20. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 2 below.
The thermometer outside read a frigid 3°F, and I braved the elements to fill the bird feeder, hoping to attract some feathered friends. However, to my surprise, the feeder remained empty, which is quite out of the ordinary. On the bright side, my trusty “snow car”, named that by my grandchildren, which is an old Nissan Xterra, started up without a hitch, ready to face the winter weather. While keeping an eye on the weather reports from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, initial signs of a significant continental storm were quite evident with occurrences of sleet and ice, this extensive weather system is now projected to impact northern New Jersey, with the heaviest snowfall anticipated to begin during the early morning hours on Sunday continuing into Monday.
…COLD WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO
National Weather Service – January 24, 2026
NOON EST SATURDAY…
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO 6 PM EST
MONDAY…
Completing our weekly grocery list at our local ShopRite this morning, which surprisingly was very calm and peaceful, we also grabbed a couple of extra items. Our snow shovels and snow blowers are now primed and prepared, and we are simply awaiting the snowfall with anticipation.
After experiencing several falls on ice last year, I decided to take preventative measures and attached ice cleats (cranpons)to my boots. I have been using them consistently over the past few days while navigating my icy driveway, and I have found them to be very effective, providing me with significantly enhanced confidence when gripping snow and ice. While the added traction has been invaluable, the one drawback is the potential for damage to indoor surfaces. Specifically, wearing these cleats indoors poses a risk to carpets and vinyl floors.
Each year, we are able to give our flower garden a head start by using a technique called winter sowing, specifically focusing on sunflowers. This innovative gardening method leverages readily available materials, such as empty soda bottles, to create a controlled environment that encourages the outdoor germination of seeds, allowing for a jumpstart to the growing season.
The preparation of the containers involves several key steps. Firstly, drainage is ensured by creating holes in the bottom of each container. Simultaneously, holes are also punched in the top section of the containers; these strategically placed perforations are crucial for facilitating optimal airflow within the growing environment. A hot soldering iron offers a practical and efficient method for creating these holes with precision and speed. After the drainage and ventilation holes are complete, the next step is to prepare the containers for splitting. To do this, a hole is then made in the center of each bottle. This central perforation serves as the starting point for carefully cutting the bottle precisely in half. When cutting, it is important to leave approximately an inch of the bottle intact; this uncut portion will act as a sturdy and functional hinge, allowing for easy access to the plants within the containers.
Next, carefully fill the bottom half of your container with a bout two inches of good quality potting mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Once the soil is in place, gently plant the seeds within the soil, making sure to space them according to the seed packet’s recommendations if available. After planting, provide a thorough watering, ensuring the soil is moistened but not waterlogged. For our winter sowing experiment, we opted for mammoth sunflower seeds, known for their impressive size and vibrant blooms.
To complete the seed germination process, carefully secure the top of the bottle using either duct tape or masking tape, ensuring a relatively airtight seal. Then, position the bottle in an outdoor location where it will receive adequate sunlight and be exposed to the changing temperatures of the seasons. As the weather gradually warms, the seeds within should begin to sprout, indicating the start of their growth journey. Once you observe the emergence of seedlings, it’s time to provide them with more air circulation; gently remove the tape, allowing the young plants to breathe and adjust to the natural environment. Once the seedlings have developed strong stems and leaves, indicating they are robust enough, it will be time to transplant them from the bottle to your established outdoor garden, where they can continue to thrive and flourish.
In March, we will be starting our vegatable and flower seeds indoors, so now is the time to gather seeds and materials
Given the persistent winter conditions we’ve experienced, with the December snow blanket still covering much of Western North Jersey, it is likely that this wintry landscape will remain in place until the arrival of spring. Worse than the cold temperatures and snow is the ice.
“Worse than the cold temperatures and snow is the ice.”
Many commercially available ice melt products can actually be counterproductive because the melted water frequently refreezes, resulting in an even more hazardous, slick, and dangerous icy layer. To enhance traction and mitigate the risks associated with icy conditions, consider mixing materials like sand or, surprisingly, even kitty litter into your ice melt granules. In many instances, applying sand by itself proves to be a more effective solution than relying solely on ice-melting chemicals to address the problem. The sand will add traction to icy serfaces.
This winter, our bird feeders have become exceptionally popular, and the 40-pound sack of birdseed we purchased back in November is rapidly dwindling, nearing depletion. It seems our feathered friends are particularly enjoying the winter bounty, and, unfortunately, the squirrels have also discovered our suet feeder, necessitating more frequent refills to keep up with their appetites.
January certainly lived up to its reputation as a cold winter month in North Jersey, starting with a fresh blanket of snow even before the new year fully arrived in the western parts of the region. The frigid conditions and occasional snow squalls began the month, keeping residents bundled up and cozy indoors. While the harsh weather has been challenging, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The latest weather forecasts are predicting a shift towards more typical seasonal temperatures, with readings expected to hover in the more comfortable thirties and forties, providing much-needed relief from the persistent cold snap.
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