For centuries, gardeners took their cues for planting times from nature—a technique called phenology. See how seasonal signs can tell you which chores to do in the garden!
Phenology: Following Nature’s Signs
Phenology in the garden boils down to observing nature—from bud burst to bird migration—and then letting nature’s timing help you understand when to plant.
Since average frost dates change every year in practice, observing the plant and animal activity can be very helpful.
While not totally foolproof, following nature’s clock helps us tune in to the rhythm of life around us.
For example, observe the connection between “firsts” and what’s 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)
Trees, shrubs, and flowers are sensitive to temperature and day length, and develop on a regular schedule based on local conditions. Other natural phenomena, such as bird migrations and the emergence of insects and amphibians (like spring peepers), 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, such as those listed below.
Phenology in the Garden
Nature’s “signs” are different in every region; however, you should still relate to these examples:
- Blooming crocus are your cue to plant radishes, parsnips, and spinach.
- When the forsythia is in bloom, it is safe to plant peas, onion sets, and lettuce.
- Half-hardy vegetables, including beets, carrots, and chard, can be planted when the daffodils blossom.
- Look for dandelions to bloom before planting potatoes.
- Perennial flowers can be planted when the maple trees begin to leaf out.
- When quince is blossoming, transplant cabbage and broccoli.
- Wait for apple trees to bloom before planting bush beans.
- When the apple blossoms fall, plant pole beans and cucumbers.
- By the time the lilacs are in full bloom, it will be safe to plant tender annual flowers and squashes.
- Transfer tomato transplants to the garden when lily-of-the-valley is in full flower.
- Full-sized maple leaves signal time to plant morning glory seeds.
- Peppers and eggplant can be transplanted when the bearded irises are blooming.
- When peonies blossom, it is safe to plant heat-loving melons, such as cantaloupe.
What are the seasonal cues where you live?
Learn More
Also, learn about the age-old art of Companion Planting.
See our Planting Calendar to find the best times to plant seeds—based on frost dates.
Reader Comments
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Old Adages
When I took a course in biodynamics it was noted how in modern times (with technological advances that distanced people from the land), we'd lost most of the old adages that were once passed down from one generation to the next, pithy sayings that provided clues as to the most auspicious times for planting and other salient gardening activities. (Of course, people were once more observant of nature, not spending so much of time staring straight ahead or down into a screen as if with blinders on.) Thank you for helping to keep these pearls alive and, in the process, encouraging closer observation of the natural world. :)
Great article on signs of
Great article on signs of Spring. I have been checking out the birds, they seem to notice things I don't. Still Winter and extra muddy for now in Maryland
You meant "spring peepers" not "spring peppers"
I still waiting to hear ours.
Sorry about that typo! I’m
Sorry about that typo! I’m waiting for the peepers too. They are a sure sign of spring!
Wild Hares
Any ideas how to find out how to keep rabbits out of my garden patch?
Luckily for me rabbits are
Luckily for me rabbits are one critter I don’t have to deal with but we do have woodchucks and porcupines. Fencing has been the best solution for them. It is time consuming since you need to bury a portion of the fence to deter them from digging under. Depending on the size of your garden, fencing can be costly as well. There are sprays and homemade concoctions that can be used to repel them. Bear in mind that most need to be reapplied regularly especially after it rains. You probably don’t want to spray anything you are going to eat.
iris photo
Robin, Do you have any idea what the name of the iris in the first photo of this article? Anyone? Thank you for all the great information
Sorry Bev, I don’t. I’ve had
Sorry Bev, I don’t. I’ve had it for a very long time, moved it from house to house. It probably came from a friend.
What is the the name of the iris
It is the Louisiana Iris (giganticaerulea). They are in bloom right now under the cypress trees in the swamps. That is the blue iris.
Great resource
This is a terrific reference, especially since I never know from day to day what the weather and temperature will be this spring in zone 7A. I figure mother nature knows better than me...
Planting time
Thank you for this time line of planting. It is very helpful. Is there anything I can do, plant, or construct that would deter my deer from eating my flowers and tomatoes?
Thank you. Theresa
Deterring Deer
Deer will eat almost anything if they’re hungry enough, but plants with fuzzy or sharp foliage and strongly-scented flowers may make them think twice. See our Deer Pest Page for more tips.
Deter deer
I had several deer coming at night, eat certain plants, shrubs and grass. I learn from an older neighbor that Deer don't like the smell of people and that I try hair clippings. I went to a local beauty school and asked if they could save the hair clippings from haircuts for me. They laughed when I told them my plans. I went back a couple of days later and picked it up. Sprinkling a little bit of the hair around plants, shrubs and in my garden. Lo and behold no more deer. Hope this helps, worked for us.
I just love your articles Robin
Out of all the different articles I read on this website - I have to say Robin that your perspectives and points of knowledge you bring to fellow gardeners are the ones I listen, treasure and print out! Thank you for this and please keep up the ever so interesting reads. I always end up smiling much like your beautiful smile after each read.
Thank you
Thank you so much for your
Thank you so much for your kind words Alycia! I’m glad that you are finding this blog to be helpful.
But what if I only have daffodils?
This is a neat little list and it covers practically everything we grow, but the daffodils are the only plant on the list that we have, so how will I know it's time to plant radishes when there are no crocuses around?
The critters have eaten all
The critters have eaten all my crocuses so I keep an eye on a house I pass on the way to work each day. They have a spectacular stand of crocuses that serve as my reminder. If no one near you has them I think that since crocus usually blossom between snowdrops and daffodils that you could use that timeframe or just plant when the daffys are budding. Check out the dates on your seed packet too, they usually go by the last estimated frost date and keep an eye on your soil temperature. They will germinate in soil as cold as 50 degrees. They like cool weather and a few light, late frosts are not going to kill them.
Planting dates
I enjoy reading your articles! Planting dates really are confusing for me as there are so many sources and different dates are provided try. There are two reasons planting dates are important as I try to extend growing season: I want to plant cool season crops as early as possible in spring so they don’t get bolted so quickly; and I don’t have to clear them out for the space when they are still at peak for my warm season crops. I noticed that you mentioned planting and transplanting, is that means planting directly and transplanting seedlings? If so, how many weeks we should start seeds indoors before transplanting? And if I use row cover or cold frame how many weeks would extend? Would you please recommend a good planting calendar? Thanks.
Yes, planting means sowing
Yes, planting means sowing the seeds directly outside and transplanting is planting seedlings that you have started indoors. Your seed packets should give you a range of time to start the seeds indoors such as 4-5 weeks or 6-8 weeks before last frost. If you plan on moving the seedlings out to the garden early with some kind of protection like row covers or a cold frame you can use the earlier planting date for starting your seeds. It is thought that the use of row covers or a cold frame can make it one zone warmer for every layer of covering used but at the very least you will gain a few degrees of extra warmth on a cold night. Check out the planting calendars on this site www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates or www.almanac.com/gardening/seed-starting-dates/zipcode.
Great blog post. Thank you.
I have really enjoyed reading your article. It was great information and very helpful. I have also heard it is OK to slowly remove mounds protecting roses when forsythia is in full bloom.
Best to wait a bit...
Every time I have tried to plant a cool weather crop on or shortly after St. Paddy's Day the seeds rot or the plants freeze. Perhaps it's the propensity of our Long Island weather to incur big spring snows - two really bad blizzards have occurred in very late March, one on April Fools Day! Locust trees sleep in late, so when they bud, the weather is clear and warm enough for everything. I may lose a bit of lettuce to the growing warmth, and the peas don't get a second run but nothing dies, either if I wait a bit.
Use hosta to know that winter is really over.
In Illinois it often snows in April after spring flowers are blooming which can kill them. I discovered that the hostas NEVER pop out of the ground until all danger of snow or winter has passed. So before I planted anything tender in April or May, I checked to see if the hostas had started growing.
How very observant of you
How very observant of you Pam! Many people would have missed that totally. Everyone’s garden is a little different so we really need to be aware of what is going on in our own backyards.
Don't know that these
Don't know that these planting guides were nature related but mt grandma said plant lettuce seed Feb. 14, on top of any snow. She and a neightbor also said plant pea seed on St.Pat's day, neighbor said also potatoes on that day. I've done the first 2 successfully but haven't planted potatoes for years. Otherwise, I use the moon signs of day guides in Farmer's Almanac...truth..
CORRECTION: It is the
CORRECTION: It is the SWALLOWS, not the SPARROWS that traditionally return to Capistrano.
Hi Bill, Of course it is the
Hi Bill,
Of course it is the swallows! I think we have gremlins at OFA that change things in the middle of the night; either that or I had a temporary brain cramp. Sorry for any confusion that glitch may have caused.
Robin
My Pap use to use these sign
My Pap use to use these sign all the time. Love this article remaindered me of him. He's the one that got me reading The Old Farmers Almanac. Yes Most often that not these sign have held true !