蜜桃恋人

Phenology in the Garden: Planting by Nature's Signs

Irises with light purple petals
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Use Natural Cues To Grow Your Garden

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For centuries, gardeners took their cues for planting times from nature鈥攁 field of knowledge called phenology. For instance, one piece of advice said to 鈥減lant potatoes when the first dandelion blooms.鈥 Learn more about planting by nature鈥檚 signs鈥攁nd see more examples!

Most of us may not be familiar with the term, 鈥減henology,鈥 even though it鈥檚 been part of The Old Farmer鈥檚 蜜桃恋人 culture for centuries. Look up almost any weather or farming adage, and you鈥檒l find it is based in phenology.

What is Phenology?

What is it, though? Phenology is the study of cyclical natural phenomena and events鈥攆rom bud burst to bird migration鈥攁nd then letting nature鈥檚 timing help you understand when to plant and harvest. Native and ornamental plants act as nature鈥檚 鈥渁larm clock鈥 by signaling that temperatures and precipitation are optimal for planting.

Since average frost dates are just an estimate, observing the plant and animal activity can be very helpful. While not totally foolproof, following nature鈥檚 clock helps us tune in to the rhythm of life around us.

Examples of Phenology

Nature鈥檚 鈥渟igns鈥 are different in every region; however, you should still relate to these examples:

 
How to Observe Nature鈥檚 Cues

What are the seasonal cues where you live? Observe the connection between 鈥渇irsts鈥 and what鈥檚 happening in the yard and garden:

  • First bud (of various plants)
  • First bloom (of various plants)
  • First animal migration
  • First appearance of different insects
  • First emergence of hibernating animals
  • First amphibian (like spring peepers)

Other natural phenomena, such as bird migrations and the emergence of insects and amphibians, also signify the coming of spring. It only makes sense to use these events as indicators of when the weather is right for planting. Observations made over many years have led to some fairly reliable conclusions!

For many gardeners and farmers, nature is more predictable than historic frost dates. However, it鈥檚 always a good idea to check planting dates by first frost dates as well. See our Planting Calendar to find the best times to plant seeds鈥攂ased on frost dates as well as Moon-favorable dates.

About The Author

Robin Sweetser

Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer鈥檚 蜜桃恋人 and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. Read More from Robin Sweetser
 

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