Early spring/Late spring...when exactly....

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

Hi all

This is my first year with a plot so I have been keenly studying the form on what to grow and when.  I have a plan now!!!  Anyway, much of what I have read talks about 'early spring', 'late spring', 'early autumn' and so on and I am a little unsure of when exactly this is!  Is March 'early spring' and is may 'late spring'??  I ask because it effects planting etc - for example I am under the impression that carrots and beetroots could go in now as it is early spring - am I right?

opinions appreciated!

Psi

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

[thifasmom]

i have always understood it to be
March - early spring
April - mid spring
may - late spring
June - early summer
July - mid summer
Aug late summer
Sept - early autumn
Oct - mid autumn
Nov - late autumn
etc......

[Bjerreby]

I think talking about months and seasons misses the point, which (ignoring daylength) is soil temperature. Early spring in Devon happens a bit before it does in North Yorkshire!

I work on the assumption that "early spring" = 7 degrees C  soil temperature, and "late spring" means 12 degrees soil, but look out for late frosts if you have tender plants.

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

hmmm interesting.  It makes total sense.  I guess I need to obtain an inexpensive soil thermometer.  Anyone know a good source?

[pigeonseed]

you could guess the conditions from what's happening in the garden - first plants coming into bud, weeds just coming up and so on - that's early spring, I'd say.

i never measure things.

mind you - i make loads of mistakes so don't listen to me! :)

[thifasmom]

that's a good point Bjerreby

you could guess the conditions from what's happening in the garden - first plants coming into bud, weeds just coming up and so on - that's early spring, I'd say.

well if that ain't sound advice i don't know what is. i have noticed just this week that there is a sudden rash of seedlings not just at home but in cracks in the pavement, footpath, woods, etc. that certainly indicates to me that spring is here and the soil is beginning to warm up. plus the radishes i sowed last week outside are germinating too :D

[Bjerreby]

Incidentally, I see the Met Office are forecasting a cooler spring than we have been used to these last few years.

I am new to this forum (and a novice veggie grower), but it concerns me a little just how eager many people seems to get sowing outside. Onions I understand because it is just 3 1/2 months to the solstice, after which onions will start swelling their bulbs, but parsnips in loo rolls? What is the point?

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/science/creating/monthsahead/seasonal/2009/spring.html

Edit!

I live in Denmark, and since posting I have looked up the Danish forecast for spring. It shows the UK enjoying average temperatures or for the Midlands, slightly higher than average temperatures!

What to make of it all? Lies, damned lies, and statistics!  ;D

[Robert_Brenchley]

It's the same every year, people are in a mad rush to sow. It's been quite chilly in the Midlands this week; it's supposed to be milder tomorrow. Typical early March weather in fact.

[redimp]

And just for your information, on that self same MetOffice page they have writ:

Meteorological seasons
(northern hemisphere)

Spring
    March, April, May
Summer
    June, July, August
Autumn
    September, October, November
Winter
    December, January, February

thifasmom's post is the guide I have always used and posted but it is just that, a guide and sticking your wet thumb up in the air and you bare bum on the ground should be used too.