What’s phenology and what does it have to do with gardening?

Phenology is the scientific study of periodic biological phenomena, such as flowering of plants in relation to climatic conditions. Gardeners use this study of regularly occurring cycles to judge planting dates and even apply preventatives for insects.

What do phenologists track? Just about everything that is around us is a good answer. They track the first and last frost dates, when you start to see mushrooms, when insect pests come, and the blooming of all plants including trees. There are even such observances of animals and when you see them in groups or when you start to see certain birds again.
For instance, we all know about crabgrass and that it consistently seems to emerge when lilacs start to bloom. That will give you a clue as to when to apply a herbicide to prevent it from germinating. If you apply too early or late, you miss the opportunity and the application is worthless.

Master Gardener Chris Schlueter’s column appears periodically in the Leader. If you have a question, call her at the Hutchinson Leader, (320) 587-5000.

To read the entire column, see Leader print edition for Tuesday, June 10, 2008.