Eastern tent caterpillar eggs hatch at the time of bud
break on the
flowering crabapple and wild plum. These trees happen to be their
favorite hosts. This is the best time to look for and begin
controlling tent caterpillars. Far better than waiting until you see
they are defoliating your plants.
Plant potatoes when the shadbush flowers. This is also the
approximate time that gypsy moth egg hatch occurs.
When the yellow forsythia and crocus are blooming it's the time to prune
roses and fertilize the lawn.
Tomatoes can be set out when lily-of-the-valley is
in full bloom.
If apple trees bloom in April the crop will be plentiful- if they
bloom in May the crop will be poor.
When the sun goes to bed red, 'Twill rain tomorrow, it's said.
When
the moon rises red and appears large, with clouds, expect rain in
twelve hours.
Dandelion
blossoms close before a rain.
If
toads appear in large numbers, expect rain.
When
stones sweat, rain you'll get.
Wells
gurgle and yield muddy water before a storm.
Mist
rising from the pond, fair weather tomorrow.
When peach and plum trees are in full bloom plant hardy crops.
When you see new growth on green ash, grapes and bur oaks it is
safe to plant tender vines, annuals and perennials.
"When
bees to distance wing their flight,
Days are warm and skies are bright.
But when the flight ends near their home,
Stormy weather is sure to come."
Plant
peppers and eggplant outside when bearded iris is in bloom.
Locusts
sing when the air is hot and dry.
Flowering
of chicory is a signal to be on the watch for the moth of squash vine
borers. The moth is active for about two weeks, during which it lays
its eggs on susceptible plants.
When elm
leaves are as big as a shilling,
Plant kidney beans, if to plant 'em you're willing.
When elm leaves are big as a penny,
You must plant kidney beans if you mean to have any.
The common lilac is in the early stages of it's blooming cycle at
the time that crabgrass seed will germinate.
When
the gnats swarm, rain and warmer weather is said to be coming.
When
black locust and Vanhoutte spirea are blooming, plant cold tender
seedlings of: zinnia, marigolds, tomatoes, and peppers.
Trees are easier to fell when the moon is on the wane.
Lilac
Borers: At the time of full bloom in the common lilac it is time to
set out pheromone traps for the Lilac borer.
When
catalpas and mockoranges bloom, sow fall cabbage and broccoli seeds.
Wasps
building nests in exposed places indicate a dry season.
When
hornets build nests near the ground a harsh winter is expected.
Crabgrass,
though hated by gardeners, does have something to tell us about the
soil temperature. The crabgrass seeds germinate when the soil
temperature at a depth of 4" stabilizes at 55°F. This soil
temperature can coincide with the time the forsythias are in bloom.
The time fertilize your lawn in the spring
is when the forsythias begin to bloom.
When maples are beginning to unfurl their leaves plant
perennials.
Zuni Indian Sayings: When the
white butterfly comes, comes also the summer.
When the white butterfly flies from the southwest, expect rain.
Spring has not sprung until you can step on 12 daisies with one
foot.
When the daffodils begin to bloom it is time to plant peas.
Grasshopper eggs hatch at about the time the common purple lilac blooms.
Plant corn when oak leaves are the size of a squirrels' ear.
When the blossoms of the apple tree begin to fall, plant your corn seeds.
Mexican bean beetle larvae appear when foxglove flowers open.
When the common lilac plant has leafed out plant lettuce, peas and other cool weather
varieties. When it's flowers are in full bloom plant beans and
squash. When its' flowers have faded plant cucumbers and squash.
As
soon as frost is out of ground plant spinach, radishes and broad
beans.
When the flowering dogwood is in peak bloom it is time to plant tomatoes, early
corn and peppers. Another is to plant tomatoes and peppers when daylilies start to
bloom.
Direct seed your morning glories when maple trees have full size leaves.
Seeing caterpillars about later than usual in fall indicates a
milder winter.
Plant pansies, snapdragons, and other hardy annuals after the aspen and chokecherry
trees are leafed out.
Japanese beetles often arrive when morning glory vines finally
start to take off and begin to climb.
When
hornets build nests near the ground a harsh winter is expected.
Plant morning glory seeds in the garden when the maple trees
leaves are full size.
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).
When dandelions are blooming plant beets, lettuce, spinach and carrots.
Crabgrass seed germinates when forsythias are in bloom.
Silver maples show the lining of their leaves before a storm.
Slugs will come out in droves prior to rainfall.
Expect rain when dogs chew on grass, sheep turn face first into the wind,
oxen sniff the air, and hogs are restless.
Dandelions blossoms close before there will be rain.
When the aspens and chokecherries have leafed out there will be no
more hard frosts but light ones may still occur. Our own aspens have
been 99% correct in this year after year. Spring 2000 was the
exception- so far.
When the locusts bloom in
May, it will turn cold and rainy.
When you
hear spring peepers (a type of frog), it’s time to plant peas.
