Following nature’s cues for spring planting is a practice utilized by gardeners long before the development of planting calendars based on hardiness zones. Early civilizations looked to Mother Nature to determine when to plant different plant species by watching for native flora and fauna plant activity. For instance, the first sign of bud development on a lilac bush to full bloom and eventual die-off indicate parameters for planting other crops.
Better known as nature’s calendar, growers learn to watch for early spring signs to determine when temperatures rise enough to warm the soil to plant. The scientific terminology for this event is called phenology. By definition, phenology is the study of how weather and climate changes, in particular seasonal shifts, influences plants and animals.
Many of us become excited to get in the garden as daytime temperatures warm after long, cold winter days. Folks are itching to get their fingers in the soil! However, jumping the gun and starting to plant too early is heart-breaking when a late frost wipes out all the hard work put in initially. While the possibility of a late frost is always questionable, nature’s signals provide a base timetable for spring planting. Watching Mother Nature’s cues as seasonal flowering plants begin to emerge tells us the time to plant vegetables in the garden.
Crocus
One of the first signs of spring begins as the bulbs lying dormant during the cold winter months begin to poke their green shoots from the ground. Plant cold-hardy crops such as radishes, spinach, and parsnips as the dainty crocuses bloom in early spring. These hardy plants usually withstand colder temps and even light frosts.
Daffodils
Wait for the daffodils to bloom to put beets, chard, and carrot seeds in the garden. While a frost won’t necessarily kill the seedlings, they probably won’t germinate until the soil warms to their satisfaction.
Forsythia
As sprawling forsythia bushes showcase their vibrant yellow flowers, it’s time to put peas and onion sets in the ground. This cue is also the perfect time to get those lettuce beds started.
Dandelions
While dandelions are one of the first flowers to start popping up, they are a good sign spring is right around the corner. Not only are they some of the first flowers of the season for honeybees to feed on, but they also signal the time to plant seed potatoes in the field.
Grape Hyacinth
When grape hyacinth springs up and begins displaying its purple colors, broccoli and cabbage starts are ready to be transplanted to garden beds. Make sure you harden them off for about a week before planting them so they become accustomed to outdoor temperatures.
Following nature’s cues for spring planting, maple trees are a sign the ground is warming up. For those who live in areas where maple trees grow, their early leaf appearance signals the time to plant any perennial varieties you want to grow in outdoor landscapes.
Apple Blossoms
As apple trees begin to showcase their beautiful blossoms, the ground is warm enough for the first plantings of bush beans. However, there’s always a chance for that late frost. Depending on your hardiness zone, you might wait to plant them until the blossoms fall from the trees. Also, hang on to plant corn, basil, and marigold seeds until the apple blossoms have withered and fallen.
Lilacs
When the sweet smell of blooming lilacs fills the air, these aromatic bushes indicate it’s time to put summer flowering annuals out. While a late frost is still possible, a light covering of bedding sheets or thin plastic suffice to keep them from freezing if the temperature dips. Usually, at this point, it’s safe to get your cucumber and squash seeds in the ground as the soil is warm enough for their germination.
Lily of the Valley
However, hold out for the lily-of-the-valley to showcase their pearly white blooms before planting tomato plants in the garden. These heat-loving plants won’t grow very fast until temperatures warm significantly for their satisfaction.
Peonies and Irises
Finally, as peonies and irises come into full bloom, both soil and outdoor temperatures are sufficient for other cold-sensitive crops. It’s time to get eggplant, pepper, and melon plants in the ground.
Happy Spring Planting!
