Planting in Sync with Nature

We still have snow on the ground and more to come, I'm sure, but my mind is telling me to get busy and start growing something! Others, in warmer climates, are already ahead of our schedule here in Ohio.

About the first of March, we begin to think about starting herbs and some cold weather plants. We can fool Mother Nature just a little bit by planting inside, on a heated mat, under lights. Some herbs take a long time to germinate, so we like to give them a head start. Leeks, onions, lettuce, spinach, and cole crops can tolerate a Spring chill, so they can have an early start. We also can plant directly or move plants into the greenhouse earlier than we can trust things out in the open garden.

But today, I want to share with you a natural guide to understanding when it might be safe to plant in your area. For the most part, seeds germinate according to the temperature of the soil. Nature knows when it's the right time. If you watch for signs among the other things growing in your yard or surrounding area, they will signal when it is safe to plant seeds or set out other like-minded plants.
When crocus bloom in your yard, it is safe to plant radishes, spinach, and parsnips.....and so on, down the line.

Crocus =        radish, spinach, parsnips 
Forsythia =        peas, onion sets, lettuce
Daffodils =         beets, carrots, chard
Dandelions           potatoes
Oak Leaves the size of a squirrel's ear = corn
Maple Leaves full =     perennial flowers 
Quince blossoms =      cabbage, broccoli
Apple blossoms =       bush beans
Apple blossoms fall =     cucumbers
Lilac blooms =       squash and flowers
Lily of the Valley =     tomatoes 
Iris =           peppers and eggplant
Peonies =          melons

I hope you find that interesting. I know I'll be watching for our perennials and trees to wake up this spring and be ready to give them some companions in the garden.