Hello from Northern Canada

[heirloomgal]

Oh my!! My winters rarely see much that's below 30. It's considered extremely bad when we get the very rare teens. I cannot ever remember even single digits. Surely nothing with a minus or I wouldn't be here writing this!!!!

You guys are beyond my idea of a place to live. Really??? Below temps??? im cold just reading it.

I get through by wearing a full fledge snowsuit, like a snowmobile outfit, whenever I go out - to sled with the kids, walk the dog, shovel snow. Lots of layers, thick multiple wrapping scarves over a hood, good mitts and wool socks. I have one coat which is very parka like that goes to my ankles, plus I wear ski pants under that! I don't like to feel cold! Lol

 

[flowerbug]

When we get to the minus 6 department, in April or May, it is so exhilarating! After those minus double digits for so many months, for any single number we do this
My mum told me once that when I was born ('76) the belief at the time among all the mothers was that young babies sleep better in the cold. So they would bundle up the baby in winter wear, put the baby in the carriage with blankets, and set outside the front door in the cold. In winter. To sleep. They would check every so many minutes we were alright and we'd have most of our naps out in the 'fresh air'. This even my own mum did! Lol Seems insane to me now, like wowzers crazy, but I've met several ladies of my mums' generation who told me they did it too. They get shocked by my surprise. Despite my early exposures though, I still find anything colder than -20 nearly painful.

when i was a baby i was having an alergic reaction to something and was turning blue. my Mom called the doc and he said to throw me out in the snow and she did. i'm still here so it worked...

 

[FarmerJamie]

Welcome!

 

[Mini Horses]

Welcome from VA. Food security is important and in today's world. I'm truly concerned with chemicals used in commercial enterprises. One day, I'll have a greenhouse! Don't "need" one terribly but, it would be awesome. You are utilizing your land well. I love the seed saving part -- seed acclimated to short, cold season.


Many of us are fortunate to have land that allows animals, to help sustain our food supply. One day you may be able to have your chickens. There's the potential for eggs, meat and fertilizer.

There's several old articles on sufficient living tips on here...search some of them for good information and a fun read.

 

[heirloomgal]

Thank you @FarmerJamie @baymule @Mini Horses! There is SO much to learn here!

 

[Hinotori]

Welcome from Western Washington state!

 

[Alaskan]

Howdy, and welcome!

What latitude are you at?

I am at latitude 59.

 

[Alaskan]

Thanks @Alaskan ! I'm in Northern Ontario, I believe the latitude here is 46. I guess you and I probably have somewhat similar seasons, at least in terms of length of summer and bitterly cold winters. We don't usually go much below -37 though, and I've read parts of Alaska can go into the minus 50's.

I am on the coast which gives me cool summers, and usually cool, not terribly cold winters.

The warm waters from Japan come up my way.

Interior Alaska is where those terrifyingly low temps occur, and I am very glad to be far away from those areas!

However, I live up on a hill.... which means I have about a month LESS of growing season than those living on "the flat" or "the bench" which is only 20 to 300 feet above sea level.

I am up at 1,300 feet above sea level, but can still see the ocean (well, the bay).

So.... I am MUCH warmer than you in the winter.... but less light.

Are you land-locked enough that you stay dry with little snow?

Our snowfall is highly variable, but we definitely stay humid.

 

[heirloomgal]

Welcome from the more western part of Va.... BRRRRR please don't send your weather down this way.....no offense but I have absolutely NO DESIRE to have minus 37 .... we have occasional minus 10... lasts for a day or 2...
One thing though... is your -37 in C or F???? Because your 0 in C is our 32 F.... more or less..... and we get down occasionally to -10 in F.....

No matter, either one is COLD!!!!!

Do you have a greenhouse like @Alaskan for growing plants????
Whoops, just reread your post so yes you do have a greenhouse...

That's in Celsius @farmerjan , and it is darn cold!! Yes, winters are long and a chore to get through, especially in February and March. But having had a very hot summer (for us) in the plus 30's, up to 40 C with humidex, I realize I handle cold better than hot. I find it easier to warm up, than cool off! Also, the + of long freezing winters is we have very little soil pathogens. I almost never see diseases, like wilts or blights in my gardens, if I do it is caused by heavy rains. And I deal with few bugs as well. I'd still prefer your climate I think! But the snakes up there do really scare me....

 

[JanetMarie]

Welcome! Nice to meet you @heirloomgal.