Clueless about When to Plant? Try Phenology, Nature's Clues!

When lilacs are in full bloom,
plant beans, cucumbers & squash

.

For centuries farmers have observed the relationship between climate and the life cycles of plants and animals. The study of this phenomenon is known as Phenology. The science behind Phenology points to soil temperature and what temperature various seeds need to germinate.

Here are some of nature's clues from the science of Phenology:

WHEN:

• Crocus blooms plant RADISHES, PARSNIPS & SPINACH
• Forsythia blooms and daffodils begin to bloom and you hear Spring Peepers, sow PEAS, ONION SETS & LETTUCE
• The first dandelion blooms, plant POTATOES, CARROTS, SPINACH & BEETS
• Lilacs are in first leaf, plant BEETS, CARROTS, COLE crops (ie: broccoli, cabbage, etc), LETTUCE and SPINACH
• Apple trees bloom plant BUSH BEANS
• Apple blossoms fall plant POLE BEANS & CUCUMBERS
• Lilacs are in full bloom or have faded, plant BEANS, CUCUMBERS, SQUASHES & TENDER ANNUALS
• Lily-of-the-valley is in full bloom and daylilies begin to bloom plant TOMATOES
• Bearded irises bloom, plant EGGPLANT, MELONS, and PEPPERS
• Peonies blossom it is safe to plant heat-loving melons such as CANTALOUPE.

Planting vegetables is not the only area of gardening to seek clues from nature. Clues are also given for the appearance of insects. Phenology can be used as a guide to scout for insects.

WHEN: 

• Redbud is in early bloom watch for FLEA BEETLES
• Redbud is in early bloom to full bloom watch for the ASPARAGUS BEETLES & CABBAGEWORMS
• Valerian is in bloom the COLORADO POTATO BEETLE will go after your potatoes, eggplant and peppers
• Foxglove blossoms are in early bloom the MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE LARVAE begin munching
• Chicory is in early bloom, look for the SQUASH VINE BORERS
• Morning Glories begin to grow, look for JAPANESE BEETLES

From the May/Jun 2003 issue of Organic Gardening, and other sources.  

See also:

What Is Phenology: Information On Phenology In Gardens