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"As the day lengthens the cold strengthens."

Old Proverb

It seems only appropriate to begin this four-season gardening blog in February.

This month is often the year's coldest, depending on your location, but the days are growing longer. That's why many cultures in the Northern Hemisphere celebrated the increasing light and the emergence of spring in early-February. Here are a few examples:

• Imbolc, St. Brigid's Day (Celtic feast; Feb. 1)
• Candlemas Day (Catholic holy day; Feb. 2)
• Groundhog Day (United States and Canada; Feb. 2)
• Setsubun (Japanese holiday; Feb. 3 or 4)
• L'hom strom (Swiss village of Scuol; first Saturday in February)
  

Weather predictions are common now. Basically, the worse the weather is now, the faster spring arrives. For example, if the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, spring is around the corner. But if he does, (sigh!) six more weeks of winter.

So, keep the faith! Pull out those seed catalogues and start planning. Before you know it, you'll be in the garden.