It’s cool on top, cozy down below with this big pile of snow—that’s the key to snow’s insulation power.
How much difference does snow make in insulating plants? According to researchers at Rutger’s University, 9 inches of snow cover can make a 42 degree difference in temperature. According to their experiment, if the air temperature is -14 degrees F, the ground temperature under 9 inches of snow would be 28 degrees.
It must be about 85 under those monster piles at the end of my driveway!
[…] courtyards near the front door or other protected spots. Snow is also a factor. In fact, snow is a great insulator. The light snow that falls in very cold temperatures has a high percentage of air in it (sometimes […]
[…] Did you know snow is actually a very effective insulator? According to expert blog Dave’s Garden, even when your plants are dormant above ground, the roots are still actively growing unless the ground is frozen. Wet snow allows moisture to slowly seep in, and a blanket of snow helps keep the ground from freezing. This keeps the roots active, the soil moist, and helps prevent frost penetration. In fact, “9 inches of snow cover can make a 42-degree difference in temperature.” (My Northern Garden) […]
That is an amazing bit of information! Now I don’t feel so sorry for my flowers out there under their insulation blanket. You could have a party under your 85 degree snowpiles out in the driveway. 🙂
Really, it’s a wonder there isn’t steam coming out of all the snow at our house!