Countdown to spring equinox

Megan Hammaker, Special Events Coordinator

In my last article, I wrote about the winter solstice, which took place on December 21st. Now, each day grows longer—a relief to many. However, the cold temperatures can still make it challenging to maintain a positive mindset or find the motivation to get outside. One thing I like to do each year is begin a countdown to the spring equinox (March 20th), starting on the day of the winter solstice. There are just a little over 40 days until the spring equinox, and I have a lot of planning to do before then!

What will my garden look like this year? What seeds do I need to start? Some plants, such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, lettuce, and greens, can be started indoors as early as mid-February and are ready to be transplanted outside as soon as the last frost of the season has passed. Did you know that certain plants grow better in the garden when planted next to specific other varieties? This is called companion planting. Based on this principle, I like to draw up a planting plan for the season so that I can utilize my space to the fullest. There’s already so much to do to get ready for the gardening season!

With spring approaching, it’s also a good time to think about outdoor hobbies and recreational activities you’d like to either return to, expand upon, or maybe even try for the first time. I have made a plan to start biking again and hope to participate in the Tour de Darke this year. I’m fortunate to live in Greenville, through which the Tecumseh Bike Trail runs, so it should make it easy for me to safely enjoy biking at my own pace on the paved trail. This is also a good time to look for workshops and classes that you’d like to take part in. Make sure you check out Darke County Parks’ website (www.darkecountyparks.org) to see what programs and workshops we have to offer. We have many great programs coming up, including a Winter Wellness program focusing on breathing techniques and herbs for mental health, a 6-week Beekeeping Workshop, a Backyard Chickens program, and more.

Another thing I like to do during this countdown is come up with my travel plans for the year. I have found that researching trips ahead not only gives you something to do to stay busy, but can also give you something to look forward to! A few years ago, I started visiting the National Parks, and since then, I’ve tried to visit at least one each year. So far, I’ve made it to 12 of the 63…I still have a long way to go before I hit even half of them! Last fall, my partner and I were able to visit five in one trip. We vacationed for a week in Utah and spent time at Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Death Valley. What an amazing trip! This year, we’re planning to visit Shenandoah for a week. I also hope to make weekend trips to New River Gorge and Indiana Dunes. I have already been looking for the best places to stay, the tastiest places to eat after a long day of hiking, and so much more!

Sometimes it may be a challenge to drag yourself outside in the not-so-splendid conditions, but if you do…you start to notice signs of spring creeping back in. As the daytime temperatures begin to rise above freezing, while they drop back down to freezing at night, the sap will begin to run. This means that maple sugarin’ season is just around the corner… I always view that as the first transition into spring. As the snow melts and you brave the muddy trails, you’ll begin to hear the singing of birds and may notice the blooms of ephemeral flowers. I highly encourage you to plan to get out and see these delicate blooms, as they don’t always last long and many times are completely missed if you wait too long to get out into the parks to search for them. Harbinger of Spring sometimes blooms as early as late February! 

Counting down from the winter solstice to the spring equinox keeps me excited and optimistic for the season ahead. It also encourages me to embrace the beauty of winter while it lasts. There’s something peaceful about a sunny walk through the snow, soaking in the stillness of the season. Then, when spring finally arrives and the call of the first Red-winged Blackbird fills the air, the moment feels all the more profound and rewarding.