Great story Sharon and my dad always planted by all different kinds of signs as well.

Thanks Vic!
I still can't plant a thing without first looking for the signs.

Sharon what a wonderful story. I really enjoyed reading that. The kids today glued to computers and video games are missing out on those treasures you grew up with. You are blessed with wonderful memories ! Thanks for sharing them.

Thanks, Linda!
Those memories are fun to share.

We are so fortunate to be able to live vicariously through your stories Sharon. Keeping those memories alive helps all of us to relive our youth. I remember my Dad talking about my Grandpa planting by signs, but I don't remember anything specific. I have heard a lot of the ones you mentioned, but not the one about the turkey buzzard. I love it!

We helped Grandpa plant a big garden and all I remember is that we had to make sure to plant the seed potatoes with the eyes up. If I don't remember anything else, I will never forget that! Everything was done with horse and plow until it came time to make the long rows. That garden seemed huge back then, but I have to keep in mind that a garden had to supply enough food to last all winter long, even though it was just going to feed my Grandpa and my Aunt Helen.

I loved the part about the spat between Ninna and Aunt Bett and how they came to an agreement in the end. Working together and being flexible is a lesson we should all take from this story!

Maybe turkey buzzards only flew up the hollers between the mountains.

You know, I learned a lot about plants from both of them, but I think the most important things I learned were about life. And they didn't really teach those lessons or talk about them. I just watched what they did more often than I listened to what they said.

Thanks!

lol! Could be Sharon I'm afraid I'd have to look up a picture of a turkey buzzard, so maybe we called them something else.

I guess you could say they "taught by example"! You were very blessed to have them in your life.

Great story! I enjoyed reading it.

In my youth, I didn't have any "signs". All I knew was that my Grand-daddy said: "Good Friday is the Time for Planting the Garden." His word was good enough for me. ;-)

Wonder what would happen in places where it was too cold to plant on Good Friday? I believe I'll just wait till the 100th day this year since we are so slowly limping into spring.

Sharon, thank you for such a personal story! My grandfather was a farmer too but he grew chrysanthemums. The smell of Mums always reminded me of the smell of my grandfather's palms...

Nasturtiums do that for me, Bev. My mother always had nasturtiums, but it's almost too hot here for them to thrive. Everytime I get their scent, it takes me right back home.

I love your Aunt Bett stories. 100th day wouldn't be applicable here, but the other "signs" would be. Thanks for the great article.

Great story Sharon. One sign here is watching for the forsythia to bloom....supposed to be the right time to prune the roses, put down Preen, etc.

Joanne, thanks, and thanks too for the use of your photos!

And Paul, I didn't mention this but when the dogwoods bloom, crappie is biting. Best time ever to go fishing!

LOVE crappie - YUM!

Me too, Vic. Watch for the dogwoods, then grab your pole.
But only after you've planted whatever 'they' told you to plant when the dogwoods bloom!

Very interesting!