Thursday, April 23, 2009

timing indicators

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The forsythia tell me that I need to plant my peas.(done)

They are an indicator plant for me.... phenology indicators....

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The lilacs give a lot of information. When the first leaves show up, it is time to plant the potatoes (done). One must also factor in the moon...(planting above ground crops on a waxing moon, and below ground crops on a waning moon)

When these lilacs finally bloom, it will be time to plant the beans, corn and squash. This will be about the same time that the blossoms fall off the apple trees. There are many signs to watch for, look around and notice.

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The mayapples open their umbrellas for the rains, I watch for the insects to take cover under them. The wasps and other insects are cold blooded, and their development and building habits are closely related to temperature. They tell me when it is safe to put the tomatoes out of the greenhouse and into the garden.

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We had a nice bonfire going the other evening, but we were chased in by the rains that doused it. The lightning and thunder were spectacular. There was one giant strike that shook the china on the hutch! --the chickens are gleaning up the crumbs after the bonfire...

11 comments:

Cathy said...

Mayapples!!

So many memories you stir up.

elizabeth said...

We saw a ton of mayapples on our last backpacking trip, it's like seeing a miniature forest!

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

I don't know what a Mayapple is, and wouldn't reconize one if I saw it :o(...Good somebody pays attention, thanks for the info...:o)...Ginny

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

I don't know what a Mayapple is, and wouldn't reconize one if I saw it :o(...Good somebody pays attention, thanks for the info...:o)...Ginny

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

I don't know what a Mayapple is, and wouldn't reconize one if I saw it :o(...Good somebody pays attention, thanks for the info...:o)...Ginny

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

I don't know what a Mayapple is, and wouldn't reconize one if I saw it :o(...Good somebody pays attention, thanks for the info...:o)...Ginny

thecrazysheeplady said...

You're right! I've never thought about/noticed that. Very interesting. Thanks!

Stasia said...

We used to have mayapples and bloodroot in the little wooded plot in our old yard (sob!) Thank you for the picture and reminder! I think I planted my peas too early... I love the phenological pointers on your blog! (I always want to type "phrenological" though; isn't that reading the bumps on a person's head?) ;)

I am trying the moon planting this year... I think I need to get my potatoes in yet today!

We, too, had an early spring fire in the firepit the other evening, and were chased inside by high winds from the northeast, and some sprinkles. But it was so good to be outside without being bothered by mosquitoes!

Just planted a bunch of native trees and bushes (bareroot saplings); hopefully we'll get this place naturalized like the old place was... some day!

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend!

Judy said...

Your way ahead of me. I have the potato patch ready and the potatoes but an old farmer told me if I had problems with potato beatles to wait until June 1 to plant...So we wait as I hate hand picking the beatles. And if it doesn't work at least I know where to go for potatoes now!!!!!!

Sharon said...

so interesting.

I look forward to getting to know my land so well, I have started keeping a garden diary to help in this.

Your posts are always so inspiring!

Anonymous said...

Interesting to know that about the potatoes. We were just wondering today if it was too early to plant them. Had our garden tilled last evening and are hoping to get peas, potatoes, carrots... in on Saturday. I should look up the moon chart. My dad always planted by the moon phases.

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