Herbs in Winter

Yesterday morning, March 21, it was 35 degrees with a light frost dusting all the plants. This morning it was 56 degrees. Zing! What a change a day makes! Yesterday, the wind was icy; today the wind is comfortably warm.  

Don't be fooled by the calendar! The vernal equinox aka the first day of the season of spring may be the afternoon of March 20, but the frost can linger. That first bit of warmth sends us outside to save what we can, nurse the new growth, and add to our gardens. But, look over your shoulder for frost until Resurrection Day.

Resurrection Sunday or Easter is when Southern Farmers breathe a deep sigh as the frost danger has past. No matter if Resurrection Day is earlier in the month of March or late in April. Frosts end and plants can be safely put into the ground for the growing season. 

Similarly, a dear friend shared her Ancient Chinese tradition that the closet should not be opened before the date we refer to as Resurrection Sunday. It is after this date that the closets can be opened from a long winter's rest. The opening of closets is to air them out, pack away winter clothing, and pull out Summer clothes. How tempting to pack away the heavy coats as soon as the weather warms! In zone 8B, packing up too soon will bite you! Putting out plants too soon will bite them!

Sigh! Two weeks until Resurrection Sunday,and our forecasts look great! The lowest of the predicted lows is 48! This is ideal for native plants, but I'll keep the Tropicals inside a bit longer.