I believe the old saying — about three snow events after forsythia blooms — has come true. As fate would have it, the peach trees at home probably took a hit with the freezing temperatures since they were in full bloom. Now, we will just have to wait to see if any fruit set.

If the old saying is true, we should see lots of planting activity in the coming weeks as conditions improve.

If you are planning to plant a garden and or beautify your landscape, I encourage you to participate in the Clinton County Master Gardener Plant Sale 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 15.

This year’s plants will be from Stockslager’s Nursery in New Lebanon, Ohio. We are planning to have a great selection of vegetables, annuals, and perennials to choose from.

This year we are moving the sale to the Clinton County Fairgrounds Sheep Barn in-order to comply with COVID-19 protocol and have plenty of room to social distance. In addition to social distancing, we will also be requiring face mask be worn.

Funds from this sale are utilized for many Master Gardener Educational and Community Gardening Projects throughout Clinton County.

In addition to planting gardens in the coming weeks, I can guarantee the farmers will be rolling full speed ahead with this year’s planting season. The farm implement accident this past week in Sabina is a good reminder to everyone to be watchful of farm equipment moving on our roadways.

Use caution on roads

My words of wisdom to the average roadway user: This is farm country and there will be more and more farm traffic on the roadways in the next few weeks. Plan accordingly and get your act together and give yourself some extra time to get where you want to be.

I saw a great comment on social media the other day that put things in perspective, and I quote the unknown source: “Getting caught behind slow-moving farm equipment for two miles is equivalent to waiting for two traffic lights in the city. YOU’LL SURVIVE!”

So, stay back, enjoy the scenery and share the road responsibly this planting season.

Don’t worry, I have not left out the farmer. They too need to remember rural roads pose special dangers with curves, two-way traffic, slow-moving farm vehicles, wildlife, narrow lanes, and more.

Whenever you hit the road with your machinery for field-work, check on your equipment and roadway habits to reduce the risk of a roadway incident.

Pay attention to the following details:

• Is your equipment labeled with slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems that are in good condition?

• Are all of your lights fully functioning and visible? Do you perform pre-travel checks?

• Is your equipment outlined with reflective equipment to mark the wide points?

• Are you keeping lights on whenever you’re on the road, including during the day?

• Are you trying to travel during daylight, or using only lit equipment at night?

• Are you always using turn signals?

• Are your employees trained for farm equipment safety on public roads?

• Are you keeping an eye on cars behind you? It may be helpful to pull over for cars to pass when it’s safe.

We all need to practice roadway safety and remember that patience is a virtue.

A little bit of patience may save your life or someone else’s life.

Tony Nye is the state coordinator for the Ohio State University Extension Small Farm Program and has been an OSU Extension Educator for agriculture and natural resources for over 30 years, currently serving Clinton County and the Miami Valley EERA.