Just when is "early spring"???

Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition period between winter and summer. Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The specific definition of the exact timing of "spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and customs. At the spring equinox, days are close to 12 hours long with day length increasing as the season progresses.

As Doggie says, spring comes at different times moving south to north. I think it was Countryfile that said spring flowers bloom later the further north you go in the UK. I think there is said to be 3 weeks difference!

I reckon you can have spring whenever you wish, Kat, and certainly go for it the next time a nice young man winks at you!!!!

Pip :))

Hi Kat,

It is confusing.  I tend not to sow directly into the ground and so as a rule of thumb I sow the seeds of hardy plants under glass when I think light levels are sufficient.  For tender plants, I germinate in a propagator, again when light levels are sufficient, and transfer to greenhouse or cold frame until the nights are more or less frost free.

I bought  french kitchen garden book last year when on holiday and it divides France into regions and gives very specific instruction re cultivation depending on region - maybe seed merchants could provide a table with more explicit regional instructions.

Good question KatTai, I always wonder that - now I'll go back and see what people say :-)Whenever it is, I always start too early - not having a greenhouse now is going to make timing even more difficult. That, and the fact as usual I've run amok with the seed catalogue like a drunkard in an off-licence  - deep sigh! I do so love to see seeds spring into action, those first two leaves are so exciting.

I agree with Alan  not just because we are neighbours -( Killamarsh isnt too far from Kiveton Park) but I do notice the difference in start times for the season when we go down south to see my Dad in Deal.We normally plant in a greenhouse for the early spring sowings- probably any time from Feb half term ( next week hurrah !)up to easter - it seems to work- we were fairly self sufficient in veg last year

Happy Growing

Nick

That is a good question! I find I usually start too late!  I have some sweet pea seeds that came with the pot and I have no idea really when to start them off. I would think early spring would be early April?

Hi Kat

I think 'early Spring' is after the risk of frosts has passed. :-)

Thanks Doggie. I will get them started when I get back from a few days away.

Hi KatTai. In my mind Spring is March April May, so early Spring should be March. In real life however I'm not so sure, the seasons seem to be changing such a lot, just lately we've had really hot Aprils and I was caught out by a late frost after a warm spell last year. The most infuriating instruction in the gardening world is 'after the last frosts' - the Met office don't know, the plants don't know, how the hell are we supposed to know?! My best advice is sow in small batches a week apart. It's a bit tedious, I know, but it does have its benefits. Good luck with them. Best wishes, Ness.

Woodpecker said:

Hi Kat

I think 'early Spring' is after the risk of frosts has passed. :-)

That would be June up here :(