Modern Moons
March is always full of potential. Warmer air currents move across Ohio in a southwest to northeast pattern more frequently, drawing up true spring air from the south. Sap is on the move in trees. Even on the first day of month, buckets are hung with care, gathering the needed gallons of sap to make syrup.
This month will stay about average as far as warm and cold temperatures. Highs each day will be from 40 to 60 degrees with overnight lows in the 25 to 40 degree range. Rain should show up on about half the days while a chance for snow decreases to 3 days. Thunderstorms are not ruled out but should only appear towards the end of the month.
March’s moon cycle will bring the full moon on the 12th. Native Americans called this moon Moon of Making Sugar or Sap Moon for obvious reasons. Full Worm Moon had to do with the thawing of earth, thereby bringing up earthworms, which in turn attracted returning birds such as robins.
Today’s full moon might also be called Green Willow Moon for last month’s yellow-tinted willow trees turn green overnight before the month is a week old.
Fishing/Gardening
Although fishing prognostications are good the 5th through the 12th of March, other projects are on the horizon here in the Greengate household. Mr. Greengate is helping the neighbors with their syrup making. It’s a new interest for him, having discovered three maple trees on the back side of the wood lot. Conferring with said neighbor, a deal was struck for a gallon of syrup in exchange for daily checking on buckets, help with the stirring and general comradery in the project. Cooking down his own batch in the house was quickly nixed by Mrs. Greengate, who as a child, witnessed firsthand the havoc to wallpapered rooms when gallons of steam were released in the air.
Seeds for lettuce, onions and Swiss chard are already in the cold frame. By the 15th, potatoes and peas will be in the ground, unless it’s too muddy. Choosing a warm, dry day at the end of the month, a few early zucchini and yellow squash seeds will be planted. Signs of rhubarb will be welcomed as well as the swelling buds of lilac and forsythia.
Outside the Yard
Across the state, sap buckets appear as maple sugaring takes on its harvest. An intriguing tour actually takes place around the whole state. Go to www.ohiomaple.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 330-749-0049 for information on the Maple Madness Driving Tour which is March 4,5,11, 12. Amish farms are not open on those Sundays but the Saturdays may find some farms open for tours. This event is sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers Association.
Olander Park Maple Sugaring Festival is free and takes place in Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio. Check the following for information as to dates. Call 419-882-8313, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.olanderpark.com. The journey begins at a sugar maple tree and ends at Maple Market where many maple syrup products may be purchased.
If you’re interested in our feathered friends, visit the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield, Ohio. Located at 3734 Orweiler Road, it is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays 1-5 pm. One of the most popular features is the Songbird Aviary. They also feature hiking trails on their 90 acres of forest and marshland. For more info go to www.ohiobirdsanctuary.com or call 419-884-HAWK.
Word of the Month
Aphorism: a short, precise proverb or saying expressing a clever observation or general truth. As in: “Aphorism is portable wisdom.” William Alger
Quote of the Month
“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” Lewis Grizzard
