When Do the Seasons Start, and How Do They Affect Your Garden?

 

Seasons influence weather, plant life, and our daily routines. For gardeners, the arrival of a new season is more than just marking a date on the calendar. It determines when to plant, prune, and prepare for changing conditions.

But have you ever wondered when each season actually begins? The answer depends on whether you follow astronomical or meteorological seasons. While both systems define seasonal changes, they do so in different ways. Understanding these differences can help gardeners and those planning to plant their Bios Urn® make the most of seasonal changes.

 

Defining the Seasons

The start and end of each season depend on how they’re defined. The two most common ones are astronomical seasons and meteorological seasons.

 

Astronomical Seasons

Astronomical seasons follow Earth’s orbit around the sun. They are based on solstices and equinoxes, which affect daylight hours. Though the exact dates shift slightly each year due to leap years and orbital changes, they generally follow this pattern:

• Spring: March 19–21 (vernal equinox)
• Summer: June 20–22 (summer solstice)
• Autumn: September 21–24 (autumnal equinox)
• Winter: December 20–23 (winter solstice)

This system has been used for centuries and aligns with celestial movements. However, it doesn’t always reflect the weather patterns we experience on the ground. The shifting dates also make it less practical for gardening and seasonal planning.

 

Meteorological Seasons

Meteorologists define seasons differently. They divide the year into four fixed, three-month periods based on temperature cycles:

• Spring: March 1 – May 31
• Summer: June 1 – August 31
• Autumn: September 1 – November 30
• Winter: December 1 – February 28 (or 29 in leap years)

This system makes it easier to track climate trends and predict weather. It’s also more useful for gardeners since it aligns better with temperature shifts and planting cycles.

 

How Seasonal Changes Affect Gardening

For gardeners, knowing when to plant isn’t just about dates. It’s about understanding the conditions plants need. Meteorological seasons, which align more closely with temperature changes, often provide a better guide. Here’s how each season affects planting and care:

Spring

As temperatures rise and daylight increases, spring is a great time for planting perennials, sowing seeds, and transplanting trees before the intense summer heat sets in. This is also the ideal time for pruning dormant trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth.

Summer

While warm-season crops thrive, summer can be tough for new plants. The soil may be too hot and dry for roots to establish. If you’re looking to plant in the summer, consider starting seeds or seedlings in containers like Bios Incube® Lite. Regular watering, mulching, and pest control are also key to keeping plants healthy during the hotter months.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures make autumn an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, bulbs, and perennials. It’s also an ideal time to plant a Bios Urn® or Bios Urn Pets®. The cooler air reduces transplant shock, helping roots establish before winter. Whenever possible, choose native plants suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Since optimal planting times can vary, it’s always best to consult a local horticulturist.

Winter

Winter is a time of dormancy for many plants, but there’s still work to do. It’s an important time for protecting delicate plants from frost and cleaning up garden beds. It’s also a good time to start planning your spring garden. You can start sowing seeds indoors in a container like the Bios Incube® Lite. Once the weather warms, you can transplant them outdoors for optimal growth.

By following seasonal cycles, gardeners can work with nature, not against it, to create thriving and productive gardens year after year.

Ultimately, both definitions serve a purpose. Astronomical seasons connect us to the Earth’s natural rhythms. Meteorological seasons offer a more practical framework for daily life.

Nature, however, doesn’t always follow a calendar. So, perhaps the best way to track seasonal changes is to look outside, feel the air, and let nature be your guide. Whether you’re preparing to plant a Bios Urn® or simply enjoying the change of seasons, staying in tune with nature will help you make the most of each moment.

 

We’d love to hear about your gardening experiences through the seasons! Share your thoughts and tips in the comments section below!

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