Phenology

Gardening: Successful gardeners in the old days were adept at watching natural indicators to know when to plant their seeds. The science of appearances, called phenology, has given rise to a few planting “rules.” Here are some examples.

Plant corn when elm leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear, when oak leaves are the size of a mouse’s ear, when apple blossoms begin to fall, or when the dogwoods are in full bloom.

Plant lettuce, spinach, peas and other cool-weather varieties when the  lilacs show their first leaves or when daffodils begin to bloom.

Plant cucumbers and squashes when lilac flowers fade.

Plant tomatoes early corn, and peppers when flowering dogwood is in peak bloom or when daylillies start to bloom.

Plant pansies, snapdragons, and other hardy annuals after the aspen and chokecherry trees leaf out.

• Plant beets and carrots when dandelions are blooming.