Use Natural Cues To Grow Your Garden
For centuries, gardeners took their cues for planting times from nature—a field of knowledge called phenology. For instance, one piece of advice said to “plant potatoes when the first dandelion blooms.” Learn more about planting by nature’s signs—and see more examples!
Most of us may not be familiar with the term, “phenology,” even though it’s been part of The Old Farmer’s Almanac culture for centuries. Look up almost any weather or farming adage, and you’ll find it is based in phenology.
What is Phenology?
What is it, though? Phenology is the study of cyclical natural phenomena and events—from bud burst to bird migration—and then letting nature’s timing help you understand when to plant and harvest. Native and ornamental plants act as nature’s “alarm clock” by signaling that temperatures and precipitation are optimal for planting.
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Since average frost dates are just an estimate, 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.
Examples of Phenology
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.
How to Observe Nature’s Cues
What are the seasonal cues where you live? 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)
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’s 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—based on frost dates as well as Moon-favorable dates.
Robin Sweetser
Robin, thank you for the article. How do I learn more about gardening by nature's signs. Are there any books on this subject? Where can I find them?
I am not aware of any one book that deals solely with phenology, though such a book would be a big hit with gardeners! I was first introduced to this concept while reading “The Old Farmer’s Almanac Book of Garden Wisdom” by Cynthia Van Hazinga. It has one page about phenology that sparked my interest and I have been collecting snippets of this folk wisdom ever since. You might find the website for the National Phenology Network (USANPN.org) to be of interest.
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 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
I still waiting to hear ours.
Any ideas how to find out how to keep rabbits out of my garden patch?
I'm looking at getting a GUARD Goose! I don't know if that'll keep the rabbits out of your garden though. I think it'll help to keep the squirrels out of mine! :-D
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
