A pop quiz written by a winter hermit

MACOMB, Ill. — We are only a few weeks into the new year, and 2024 has already brought an actual winter! At least for now. In the prolonged cold of this past week, going outside has been, well painful. Being stuck inside I have gotten so much accomplished. We organized our storage totes, I got that window trim repaired. I even got to finish a puzzle. It’s been years since I’ve been able to finish a puzzle.

However, being trapped inside can make us a bit stir-crazy. My family has stopped playing board games with me. Something about how I win too much. Now, after staring at the wall for an hour, I thought it was time to play a round of winter garden trivia. Have fun.

Which soil typically has higher organic matter: An Illinois forest or a tropical rainforest?

• Illinois forest
• Tropical rainforest
• What is organic matter?
• Organic matter is decayed organic material.
• Is he purposefully using questions as answers?
• It works on Jeopardy!

If tropical rainforests are lush and full of life, why are tropic soils not as productive as Illinois soil?

• Geology
• They are older soils.
• The tropics don’t have winter.
• Rain leaches nutrients out of the root zone.
• Answers B, C, D, and maybe A. I’m not a geologist.

Why would winter create better soils?

• The cold weather slows the decomposition of organic matter allowing it to build up over time. In the tropics, microbes work year-round decomposing debris.
• I bet the long, more complex answer is correct.
• What day is it and how long have I been wearing this thermal underwear?
• T.M.I. (Too much information)
• Answers A and B. I’ll also accept D.
• I see. This quiz is about why winter is a good thing.

Have I convinced you that winter is important to Illinois?

• No, because I already love winter!
• Yes, winter is great!

Winter does have safety concerns. Illinoisians reduce slick conditions with deicing salts. What are deicing salts?

• Sodium chloride (Traditional rock salt)
• Calcium chloride
• Magnesium chloride
• Calcium magnesium acetate
• That’s a lot of different types of salt!
• What about sugar beets?
• All the above.

What is the recommended method for applying salt?

• Judiciously.
• Like Salt Bae (He’s an internet meme, you’ll have to look it up or trust me).
• Before the winter storm arrives. Or clear away the snow and apply deicers to the pavement.
• Target salt applications to high-risk locations like steps, along with walkways and driveways on an incline.
• Salt can damage plants and soil! So be careful.
• All the above plus B, if you’re into that.

While I do enjoy winter, maybe I could benefit from warm days to go outside and reacclimate to being in public. Hopefully, this winter pop quiz brought something a bit different than Suduko, crosswords, and the occasional puzzle.

Good Growing Answers of the Week: I bet you got an A+ on today’s quiz, but if you would like to check your answers, head over to go.Illinois.edu/GoodGrowing.