Friday, April 18, 2008

Garden lore

I found these bits of garden lore that I found to be interesting. This type of information is fascinating to me. Just when I think that I cannot garden without the internet, a reference book, or a magazine!

*Plant beets and carrots when dandelions are blooming
*Plant potatoes when the shadbush (Amelanchier arborea) bloom. Which is a phenologism itself since shadbush is named so because it blooms in time with the Shad runs. Are there any shad running anywhere anymore?
*Plant lettuce, spinach, and peas when the lilacs show their first true leaves or when the daffodils bloom
*Plant beans when lilacs are in full bloom
*Plant cucumbers and squash when the lilacs fade
*Grasshopper eggs hatch when the lilac blooms
*Plant tomatoes, peppers, and early corn when the dogwoods are full blown or when daylilies start to bloom
*Plant corn when elm leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear or when oak leaves are the size of a mouse's.
*Plant perennials when maple leaves begin to unfurl
*Prune roses when the forsythia blooms
*Plant pansies, snapdragons, and other hardy annuals after the aspens and chokecherry trees are leafed out. This indicates no more hard frosts.
*Or, when you see new growth on green ash, grapes, and bur oaks, it's safe to plant annuals
Or, when peaches and plums are in full bloom
*Plant morning glory seeds when maples are fully leafed out
*When Morning Glories start to climb, Japanese Beetles arrive
*When Foxgloves open, Mexican bean beetles appear
*Plant aboveground crop vegetables on a waxing moon (from new to full)
*Plant underground crop vegetables and flowering bulbs on a waning moon (from full to new)
*Cut down trees on a waning moon
*When wasps build their nests in exposed areas, it will be a dry year
*When the locusts bloom in May, it will turn cold and rainy (this happens every year, I swear)
*When the sun goes to bed red, 'twill rain tomorrow tis said...same as red sky at night, sailor's delight, red sky at dawn, sailors take warn
*And of course, fond to me, since I'm surrounded by corn "Knee high by the Fourth of July"

It is rainy today with only a slight chance of showers tomorrow. The raised beds might go out to the garden tomorrow!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Found "Garden Lore" interesting.My
mother used to tell me that seeds must be stored when the moon is on the wane. This ensures that you have a good crop the next year.Loved going through the rest of your blog too!

Peggy said...

Thanks! I have looked online and found some other lore under "phenology". I find it extremely interesting!