Spring 2023 doesn’t begin until March 20, but warmer winter temperatures and early blooming plants in Memphis suggest otherwise.

Phenology is the study of natural cycles and seasons, and how plants and animals are affected. According to the National Phenology Network, 2023 has thus far shown dramatically warmer temperatures in the Southeastern United States. Memphis is projected to see springlike weather 12 to 15 days earlier than the official start of the season.

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Is the warm spell a result of climate change or simply the Mid-South’s typical unpredictable weather? Either way, there are steps gardeners can take to lessen the damage to plants.

Cora Pitt works for Urban Earth Nursery in Memphis and received her Master Gardener certification in 2021 through the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. She says warmer weather patterns have an effect on when plants start blooming.

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“With higher temperatures plants think spring has arrived, and that it’s time to release energy stored in their root systems so they can start putting buds out,” Pitt said. “The changes have affected the signal that nature gives to plants and trees, especially during springtime here.”

Pitt noted climate change is the largest driving factor for plants blooming early, as humans are affecting the planet with elements such as greenhouse gases and carbon. 

“It’s definitely affected the weather,” Pitt said. “You see a lot more flooding, we’ve seen more wildfires pop up, especially in California. And even in Memphis last summer we had one of the hottest summers on record that damaged a lot of plants.”

When it comes to protecting plants from the consequences of an early spring, Pitt suggests gardeners add organic matter to their soil such as compost, mulch or soil conditioner with mycorrhizal fungi, worm castings and bat guano.

Pitt also said warmer weather increases plants’ need for water, particularly in drier months. She said the best time to water is the early morning or evening so moisture won’t evaporate.

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“As long as you have sunlight and water, your plants should be good,” Pitt said. “And using organic matter in your soil is even better.”

Chris Cooper is the Shelby County Agricultural Extension Service’s horticulture agent and coordinator for the Master Gardener program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Cooper said the early blooming plants in Memphis and Shelby County aren’t a big concern for him because Memphis often faces unpredictable weather patterns.

“We had a freeze last December, then we do have mild winters,” Cooper said. “Then we have spells in January and February where we have temperatures above 70 degrees. The plants think it’s spring and that it’s time to shoot out those leaves. It seems to happen each year because of those mild winters.”

Cooper says the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help gardeners figure out which plants are ideal for their climate which can lead to more effective gardening. Memphis and Shelby County are within Zone 7B. When shopping for plants, gardeners will find what zone plants best grow in on the plant information tag.

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For gardeners looking to navigate the coming spring blooms or off-season deep freezes, Cooper suggests reaching out to the Shelby County Agricultural Extension Service and the Memphis Horticultural Society.

“Be patient; the plants will adjust,” Cooper said. “If you have the right plant material for the right zone, you’ll be fine. Nature has its ways.”