Signs of spring (too early?)

Soak early peas in water to speed their germination in still-chilly garden soil.

28 days. That’s a typical February. And, usually, I’m delighted that the month is so short. It’s our coldest, snowiest, ickiest and least garden-friendly month. At least, it usually is. This year, February has been mild. Warm, even. I’ve spent loads of time in the garden, pruning and prepping and planning. If February was always this pleasant, I’d hope for a leap year every year.

Of course, it’s raining today — our actual leap day. But, no complaints here. The garden wants the rain.

In fact, the garden probably needs the rain. I took a stroll through the garden yesterday, and things are really starting to happen. Will it be an early spring this year? Honestly, I think this question has already been answered:

The first of the asparagus plants are already sprouting. It's February in Zone 7. These guys are weeks (a whole month?) early.

After slumbering through the winter, the garlic plants are beginning to send out new growth. This mild winter might mean we will get to harvest some glorious garlic bulbs in a few more months.

This rosemary has been flowering all winter long. Crazy, considering Zone 7 is really on the edge of their hardiness range.

And, that’s not all. Daffodils have been flowering for weeks around here (easily a month early). My plum tree is on the verge of flowering. The early peas are just about to sprout. And, one of my blueberries began to leaf out in January.

Delightful, yes? Well… This early rush of spring comes with some risk and some cost. A late frost (possible through April here) would destroy any chance at a plum harvest this year. And, a freeze could damage those tender blueberry leaves or asparagus sprouts. Plus, this crazy-warm winter might mean that we’re looking at a summer of super-charged (and super plentiful) bugs and pests and plant diseases — cold winter temperatures normally knock their population down a bit, but it’s just been so mild…

Also, I just heard thunder. In February. That’s usually part of our summertime soundtrack. Which makes me wonder… What weather quirks will this summer bring?

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Tagged as: asparagus, climate change, garlic, global warming, rosemary, spring, winter