Phenology: Gardening by Nature’s Indicators

Maybe you’ve heard the saying “plant corn when the oak leaves are as big as squirrels’ ears,” or “sow Morning Glories when Maple trees have full sized leaves.” These are known as Phenological signs. Phenology is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycles and how these influence, and are influenced by, variations in climate and seasonal changes. These changes can act as indicators of when to sow a certain seed, when you can expect a certain insect species to hatch, or when it’s time to prune a particular tree or shrub. In today’s ever-changing climate environment, phenology may be the way to go when looking for the right time to take action in the garden.

I can no longer count on my annual gardening calendar to tell me when to plant a particular crop. Past weather patterns are no longer reliable as indicators. Every year the weather is different, so I have to pay attention to what’s happening now. Farmers and gardeners need to know when to plant to avoid frosts, the timing of plant and insect development to decide when to apply fertilizer and organic pesticides, without having to depend on a calendar schedule. Plants and animals react to weather patterns and they don’t necessarily react at the same time every year. This means I have to pay attention to what’s going on around me and react based on my observations of nature. What a novel concept!

Here’s a list of common phenological indicators to work with in addition to the ones mentioned above. Note: some of these may have already passed.

Plant Phenology

Prune Roses & Fertilize Lawns – when yellow Forsythia and Crocus start blooming

Plant Pansies, Snapdragons, and other hardy annuals – after the Aspens and Chokecherries leaf out

Plant Peas – when Daffodils or Forsythia begins to bloom

Plant Lettuce, Peas, and other cool weather crops – when Lilacs have leafed out

Plant Beans and Squash – when Lilacs are in full bloom

Plant Cucumbers – when Lilac flowers have faded

Plant Tomatoes, Early Corn, and Peppers – when Apple Blossoms begin to fall and Flowering Dogwoods are in peak and when Daylilies start to bloom

Plant Peppers and Eggplants outside – when Bearded Iris are in bloom

Plant Beets, Lettuce, Spinach, and Carrots – when Dandelions are blooming

Plant Potatoes – when serviceberry or Juneberries flower

Sow Cabbage and Broccoli seeds – when catalpa and mock oranges bloom

If Daisies appear – there is no Calcium near

 

For Morel Mushroom Lovers

Look for Morels about the same time that Redbuds and Spicebush begin to bloom, around March or April. When the Dogwoods finish blooming, Morel season is over.

 

Insect Phenology

Grasshopper Eggs hatch – around the time purple Lilacs bloom

Eastern Tent Caterpillar eggs hatch – when the buds of Crabapples and Wild Plums open

Mexican Bean Beetle larvae appear – when Foxglove flowers open

Squash Vine Borers appear – when Chicory is in flower

 

This by no means accounts for every phenological indicator, but should give you a place to start thinking about gardening outside of the calendar. Take time to observe and engage with nature, and you will find more answers.

For more information, or to participate in the phenology program: USA National Phenology Network