Winter, Spring, Winter, Spring

So here we are, mid March, and we still don't know if spring has arrived yet -  when I see a beautiful sunset I always remember childhood sayings "Red Sky at Night, Shepherd's Delight" (I know some people here say "Sailor's Delight") and I expect warm and sunny weather the next day.  Sometimes I think it is not helpful to put too much effort into "expectations"!!!   

When will it end, we ask.  Every year!  As we approach the arrival of spring, even in East/Central Texas we ask the same question every year.  Temperatures in the 70F's for a few afternoons, then wham! back to freezing temperatures!  Officially the last average freeze is about March 3rd, so we have passed that.  Of course "average" means it could happen earlier or later, but at least the end is in sight!  

Are plants affected by the wind chill factor? Not really - they don't produce heat like our bodies do, so they remain at actual air temperature. So, if we humans are freezing to death with a wind chill factor in the twenties, and the actual temperature is in the high thirties, the plants will not be affected (remember though, that tropicals won't do well and would appreciate being covered!) The best line of defense for all plants left in the ground is to mulch, mulch and mulch! (Don't use that toxic dyed mulch though!!!)

March is the month when Garden Centers are stocking up, seed catalogs are bombarding our mailboxes, Master Gardener chapters and Garden Clubs are hosting all kinds of programs and holding plant sales.  Temptations abound!!!  

There has been a dearth of seeds in the feed stores, big retailers, and even some of the mail order retailers for both of these "Covid Years" - some say it is because in Year One people stayed home and planted a vegetable/herb garden, using most of the available seeds.  They enjoyed the experience and taste of the vegetables so much that the seed producers couldn't meet the requirements.  Others will say that the loss of  habitat for native pollinators, mass plantings of non-native plants has resulted in fewer seeds being produced, and of course the ongoing debate about "heirloom", "hybrid", "open pollinated" etc.  I don't know the answer, but I do know I wish I hadn't donated a lot of "out of date" seeds to a seed swap!!!!  

So, this year I have sowed what I had, bought a few plants, and will keep on truckin'!!!!!  The tiny greenhouse is filling up, potatoes are looking good in their hills after freezing back three times this winter, and spring really will be here shortly!!!  Cilantro and Arugula are confused by this fluctuating temperature change and are already setting flowers to go to seed (hint to self: remember to harvest seed for next autumn!)