Heave Ho

This spot over the septic tank has been blown clear of snow by the wind. Here we have a perfect example of what happens to newly disturbed soil when it is cold and neither mulch or snow cover is there for protection. The surface of the soil is lifted by  ice crystals that form. If a new little plant had been planted here, it would have been raised up nearly two inches exposing tender young roots to night temperatures in the teens or worse.  We gave up putting in new plants in the fall for this very reason. This bed with its bare dirt can heave up and down to its heart's content all winter. We will not plant anything there until spring is here and the soil has settled. My new kicthen garden will have to wait until then.