Imbolc: First Signs of Spring
Growers in the northern hemisphere have for centuries understood the month of February to mark a significant shift in day length as it relates to plant growth. Agrarians from Maine to California still have cause to celebrate this time of year, recognizing that day length finally reaches ten hours after two months of short, dark days.
The ancient Celtic pagans called this holiday Imbolc and celebrated on or around February 1, halfway between the winter solstice (December 21) and the spring equinox (March 20). Some Americans may be more familiar with a spin-off version of this holiday which is nonetheless rooted in the same seasonal significance and celebrated on February 2, called Groundhog Day.
Imbolc is one of four cross-quarter days, each of which is evenly spaced between the four more traditional seasonal holidays in our calendar year: the spring equinox, the summer solstice, the autumn equinox, and the winter solstice. Imbolc celebrates the growing of the light, embodied by St. Brigid, the goddess of fire and fertility.
Many farmers may recognize the significance of this particular date, as it is usually right around the same time that the first seeds are sown in greenhouses for summer plant starts. Long day alliums like onions and leeks require early February sowings to mature by midsummer.
This holiday also marks the approximate date when the days are long enough to support plant growth again. Southern growers across the country have the great fortune to be able to plant their spring peas and root crops like carrots and beets outside this month, start seedlings for spring broccoli and cabbage, and even sow hot crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors. In the Northeast, growers can begin to sow seeds that tolerate low soil temperatures for germination directly into the ground in sun-heated hoop houses. Lettuces, spinach, mustards, and leafy brassicas like kale and collards are some of the more cold-tolerant seeds that will germinate during this time of year.
Many regions like the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest and the Eastern Seaboard can overwinter hearty plants to harvest early in the spring. Any overwintering plants like spinach, kale, leeks or onions will also experience renewed growth after February 1.
For spring abundance, plan your first sowings around Imbolc to celebrate the increased day length and enjoy the taste of the spring as early as the light will allow.
Additional Resources:
The Winter Harvest Handbook by Eliot Coleman
Approaching Imbolc by Hudson Valley Seed Library
Categories: Winter Growing & Growing Tips
Posted On: February 21 2017
Posted By: High Mowing Organic Seeds
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