HOW CAN ONE TELL WHEN TO PLANT?

COLUMNIST NANCY THOMPSON OFFERS SOME TIPS ON WHEN THE RIGHT TIME MIGHT BE

How can one tell when to plant? Our ancestors looked to nature for signs for when to plant. Here are a few examples that might prove useful to you when planting your Muskoka garden:

• Blooming crocus are your cue to plant radishes, parsnips and spinach;

• When the forsythia is in bloom, it is safe to plant peas, onion sets and lettuce;

• Half-hardy vegetables, including beets, carrots and chard, can be planted when the daffodils blossom;

• Look for dandelions to bloom before planting potatoes;

• Perennial flowers can be planted when the maple trees begin to leaf out;

• Plant corn when the oak leaves are the size of a mouse's ear;

• Wait for apple trees to bloom before planting bush beans;

• When the apple blossoms fall, plant pole beans and cucumbers;

• By the time the lilacs are in full bloom, it will be safe to plant tender annual flowers and squash. We seldom get a heavy frost after the lilacs bloom. Plant cucumbers and squash when lilac flowers fade;

• Transfer tomato transplants to the garden when lily-of-the-valley is in full flower.

Nancy Thompson is president of the Bracebridge Horticultural Society.