The growing season is a few weeks off, normally everything is done by growing degree days. This is a calculation of everyday the low is above 50 degrees minus the high temperature the resulting product is expressed as a growing degree day. For example high of 65 and a low of 51 would be 14 growing degree days. Every day that passes is added for a cumulative GDD (growing degree day).
So why is this so important? It's a more reliable indicator of when flowers should be planted, insects are present on plants or best time to apply a control for a pest. Another method is to use indicator plants to approximate when something can be done. This is based on phenology, and these plants tend to flower at the same time and weather conditions. So if you need to put down a pre-emergent crabgrass control and someone says late March or early April, the phenological calendar would tell you when the Forsythia blooms. So look for the yellow flowers and you know you' ll get it right.
So learning to work with nature can be a good thing. Today the buzzword is organic. Kind of overused. All organic means is that it is linked to carbon (the scientific definition). Still biological, botanical, or natural can be deceiving. Some of the most deadly compounds on the planet are natural, organic or botanic. So when choosing products the label needs to be carefully read, unknown ingredient should be researched before you use them. All products should be carefully applied using the directions on the label. Following the directions is paramount, if it calls for a small amount to mix, do not add more. It will not make it work better only more hazardous. Measure the area you want to treat or fertilize and apply only the correct amount.
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