Here in West Texas there are a few tell-tell signs that winter is passing into spring. Take a look around to see if you notice either of these markers:
1) The “ole timers” say when our mesquite trees start swelling with buds and leaf out, the last frost is past us. This is generally true because mesquites are late bloomers. Plus, “ole timers” have a little more time spent on earth and experience to back this knowledge up.
2) My Granny says to watch for the scissor-tail flycatchers cutting through the sky and along the fence lines at the edge of town. They have long split tails that look like a pair of open scissors that help make swift changes in direction and they migrate back to us after wintering in Mexico. I have seen this to be a sign of spring arriving as well and besides, my Granny knows everything!
Even though our flowering pears have bloomed out and sleepy perennials are peeking thru, Abilene’s last average frost date is still somewhere between March 13-28. The average frost-free growing season is about 228 days.
While Mother Nature and the Groundhog arm wrestle over Spring’s final arrival, keep this in mind: Water your perennials and tender vegetation to help insulate the root systems from a late freeze. Cover any new growth with sheets or plastic to avoid wind/cold damage. And let’s have a great Spring!
Article by Mary K. Smith