Garden Crypt

By Nikki Phipps

It’s impossible to prevent unfavorable weather, but with weather-wise gardening practices, you can at least prepare for adversities. Did you know that long before modern scientific methods were available, people relied on and used nature for predicting the weather? Have you ever heard cold or damp-like conditions make your joints especially achy? Ever stepped outside and commented that ‘it smells like rain’? Perhaps you’ve heard one say when the leaves of trees overturn, rain is on the way. Most people today do not believe in such claims; however, many of them are actually quite true. Weather-wise gardeners have learned to pay attention to these so-called tales, from animal behaviors and plant characteristics to atmospheric changes or astronomic occurrences.

Birds fly high in fair weather and closer to the ground before a storm. Animals are, in fact, sensitive to changes in their environment, which for the weather-wise gardener can be a good way to predict upcoming events that may be crucial to the success of the garden. When it rains, the air is becomes thinner; therefore, most flying animals prefer to travel lower to the ground where the air is more dense. Unusual behavior typically means unsavory weather. So the next time you notice bees returning to the hive or cows huddling up, expect rainy conditions. Of course, you can look for signs of fair weather too. For example, when crickets chirp loud, there will be not a cloud. When spiders weave by noon, there will be fine weather soon. Plants, of course, are a gardener’s passion. But to the weather-wise gardener they are also good forecasters. Many plants have the ability to gauge temperature by opening and closing their foliage as temperatures rise and fall. For instance, tulips and daisies fold up their petals prior to rain. Flowers also become more fragrant before rain.

Weather-wise gardening practices also involve reading the sky, from its color to the types of clouds and wind patterns. Who hasn’t heard the saying, “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors warning.” Did you know the higher the clouds, the better the weather? And don’t forget to pay attention to the fog. If fog forms on water in spring or fall, frost is imminent. Descending fog is indicative of poor weather while rising fog brings pleasant conditions. Even the sun and moon can give weather-wise gardeners a clue or two. For instance, a red sun signals a fair day. A clear white moon indicates nice weather, while a ring around the moon means rain real soon. So take heed the next time you’re out in the garden. Make an extra effort to pay attention to your surroundings and put those weather-wise gardening practices to use.You might find yourself amazed by what Mother Nature has to say.