The arrival of El Niño this year brings a pleasant surprise for garden enthusiasts. This blog aims to highlight the positive impact of El Niño on winter gardening and shed light on the new possibilities that arise from its milder conditions. Whether you’ve noticed it in your area or not, the effects of El Niño are something to be excited about, especially for those in Washington State.
El Niño occurs when ocean waters in the equatorial Pacific become warmer than average, influencing the global climate. This year’s El Niño is the first in five years, which means it will bring about shifts in the jet stream and consequent changes in weather patterns worldwide. While El Niño is known for creating increased storms across the southern U.S., it also tends to result in milder conditions across the northern U.S. and Alaska.
Warm Weather Outlook:
According to the U.S. Winter Outlook for December 2023-February 2024, several regions, including Alaska, the West Coast, the Northern Great Plains, the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic Coast, are expected to experience warmer-than-average temperatures. Regions such as Washington, Oregon, Alaska, northern California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and northern New York have a 50-60% chance of enjoying milder conditions. While some areas still have equal chances of experiencing below, near, or above-average temperatures, it is crucial to consider the combined influence of El Niño and long-term climate change trends.
Taking Advantage of a Mild Winter: Planting Peonies:
One exciting aspect of a milder winter is the opportunity for winter gardening that was previously hindered by frozen ground or heavy snowfall. Certain plants, like peonies, thrive in cooler temperatures and require a period of chilling to stimulate root growth. Typically, this chilling period occurs over winter, making fall the ideal time to plant peonies before the ground freezes.
The optimal soil temperature for peonies ranges between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (15°C), favoring cooler conditions for improved root development. Recent winters have presented challenges as the ground has been frozen in many areas in December and January, making it preferable to plant peonies in the fall before the winter freeze. However, with the mild winter conditions this year, gardening enthusiasts can take advantage of plantings that were once deemed impossible. From planting peonies to other cold-loving plants, this winter offers an extended window of opportunity to nurture and grow in the garden.
Regional Considerations: Artificial Chilling and Alternative Gardening Methods:
In regions that experience mild winters year to year, additional measures may be necessary to provide the necessary chilling period for peonies and other cold-loving plants. Refrigerating potted peony plants for a specific duration before transplanting them can be an effective way to replicate the needed cold temperatures. Additionally, gardeners may explore alternative gardening techniques suitable for their specific region. Mild winters present a chance to experiment with different plant varieties and consider unique gardening approaches that address local climate conditions.
This year’s El Niño offers an exceptional opportunity for gardeners to embrace winter gardening. With milder conditions expected across various regions, the ground remains workable, and new possibilities arise for planting cold-loving perennials like peonies. By exploring different gardening practices and taking advantage of the extended planting season, gardening enthusiasts can make the most of this mild winter. So, dust off those gardening tools and get ready to enjoy the joys of gardening even during the winter months! You don’t have to wait until spring.
