Weather, Climate, and the Garden

March 21, 2018 by Mary Hosier

Test Garden maps tell stories beyond their dots - they represent a study in both climate and weather. Compare years and gardens in different geographic areas.

“Our 1st grade students took a break from standardized testing to examine and measure the tulips they planted with the 7th grade. So pretty!” Athens, Georgia on March 6th.

This week brought a slow sweep of spring and just a handful of gardens emerging. Where in North America are gardens emerging? Notice that all gardens blooming so far are located south of 37 degrees N latitude. This week brings more weather events to most of the continent. What weather are expecting in your hometown and how will it affect when your garden will emerge and bloom?

“This morning Vivienne went outside to count the number of bulbs that have broken the soil. She counted 15!”   Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 20th.

“Our third graders at Edith Bowen Laboratory School were elated to see their tulips popping up!” Logan, Utah on March 13th.

“First tulip leaves emerged.” Corvallis, Montana on March 9th.

“Our tulips bloomed the day after a snow storm.” Marion, North Carolina on March 15th.