Realistically, anyone east of the Rockies is probably going to have an early spring this year. Nothing in the forecast models from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center seem to indicate any kind of significant return to a winter-like pattern. Here is the March forecast model map:



Here is the March-April-May 3 month map:

Almost freakishly warm in the Great Plains this week, in places like S. Dakota and eastern Montana being in the 60s and 70s.

Here in SE Michigan, a brief cool-down following a low pressure system dipped out overnight temps Thursday night and Friday night into the 20s and even teens. Yesterday was 48, today headed for around 60.

My first crocus, the species type, have popped. I am also seeing new buds form on my Helleborus orientalis. Pussy willows, aspen, and hazelnut/filbert catkins are popping. My bees are finding bright yellow pollen from something, possibly skunk cabbage. Silver and Red Maple buds appear to be on the verge of opening as well.

Today's highs:

Snow overnight and most of the day with more than they had told me to expect.

But on the bright side, it looks more like one of those spring snows instead of a winter it-will-be-here-for-months snow.

My daffodils are ready to bloom. The cherry tree and blueberry bush are both budding. It's FUCKING FEBRUARY!!!! Didn't they get the memo?

On Edit: I had to scrape frost off of the front window on the van at 4:30 this morning. The plants just don't understand.

Winds peaking at 53 mph yesterday....and although the temps have been up there in the 50's, that is not the case today. Maybe this is heading for you? But it seems too long a time if you don't have it yet.

I also have daffodils up but no buds yet, the crocuses were budding. One way or the other, spring will be with us soon.

What IS NOT normal is what we're getting in the Harrisburg area.

Eight inches on Monday, sunny 60's and total melted by Wednesday.

these snows are not lasting. Our Saturday snow is already gone too. And my crocuses will probably open tomorrow---way earlier than usual.

Can't complain about this winter---it has been bearable. And an early spring!

It is unfortunate that many areas (including mine) now have a new zone number for gardening. It is getting warmer and I'm not sure that is good.

i got some lights for xmas. i have been starting seeds for a while and have lettuce that i am eating, and enough basil to coat the italian army in pesto.

Oh, wait - it's still February!!!

E-FUCKING-GADS!

It starts at 5:14 UTC on March 20th, which is 1:14 am EDT here in the eastern U.S.

The sooner, the better as far as I'm concerned.

DST starts on Sunday, March 11th, by the way. I get an extra hour at night, making evenings long enough to actually DO SOMETHING outside.

The cherry tree we had to upright last fall is putting out new shoots and buds. The blueberry bush and lilac are budding. Onions and garlic (we missed) have been coming up for weeks now. This is NOT a normal winter for around here!!!

At least the cherry tree seems to have made it - it was on its side and it took a shitload of marine rope, my dad's F-250, and my neighbor's Chevy SUV to get the thing upright again. I would have helped with the Pontiac minivan but I don't have a damn trailer hitch. I keep threatening to get one, but it isn't that high on my priorities list. It's still on ropes with some major tree stakes each with a bag of sand or paving gravel on them. Those will probably be a feature for at least another year.

It sounds like somebody there loves that cherry tree!

Unfortunately the birds like it too. I've been pooped on a few times.

my crocuses started the first of February, now there are daffodils all over my neighborhood, and two of my annuals from last year are coming back. Those worry me because now I wonder if I'm infecting my city.. but obviously lots of other people in Arlington bought snapdragons, they sell them everywhere.

Today was a perfect day for digging around

It has reseeded itself in several places. When the crowns are old enough I'll use them to fill in the blank spots in the main bed.

it's been raining off and on for the past 5 days here in nor cal, but that didn't stop me from purchasing a new raised bed unit from costco. it was a great deal! if you're in the market for raised beds, check it out. i got two vinyl 4x4 units PLUS a clear tented frost cover (for one) for $99. i looked it up online and it retails for $189 elsewhere. that makes 4 raised beds this year. i also have some seeds started in my little walk in greenhouse. most of the peas are up.

hoping that this year will be a better one than last, which mostly sucked!