The Ice Saints, an ancient tradition
When we talk about plantations, it is common to hear that now is not the time because we have to wait until the Ice Saints have passed. This popular European belief, which dates from the Middle Ages, covers a climatological period of 3 days, from May 11 to 13, with Saint Mamert who opens the ball by warning of a possible return of cold, followed by Saint Pancrace and finally, Saint Servais.
In tradition, these saints were believed to have power over the climate and were believed to be capable of causing nocturnal frosts. It was also necessary to implore their clemency to avoid the last onslaughts of the cold. And the tradition, well anchored in people’s minds, has continued century after century even if the names of these 3 saints have disappeared from the calendars.
Take the Ice Saints into account or not?
At present it is difficult to trust this ancient popular belief, which does not take into account different regional climates and which has not evolved over the centuries. According to Météo France, the last frosts recorded in May date back to 2010. However, other more reliable data encourages distrust until May 15.
Indeed, the period of the Ice Saints covers a period of climatic transition during which the Earth, in its orbit around the sun, is at a point where the northern hemisphere begins to emerge from winter, but can be disrupted by cold air currents coming from the poles before switching towards summer.
It’s these cold air currents that you need to be wary of. Let us add to this that this year, the first half of May corresponds to a red moon period, a period during which the risk of frost is still high. To know when to plant in their garden and vegetable garden, some gardeners prefer to rely on the weather conditions of previous years.
But again, there are no guarantees, as there may be significant differences between years. There is therefore no miracle recipe, the only certainty is that patience is required, especially in regions with a harsher climate.
Mistakes not to make during this period
Showing too much confidence
Do not plant or sow without first checking the weather forecast. This will allow you to check whether late frosts risk reducing your efforts and your young plants to nothing. Likewise, if you have already planted, monitor the weather so that you can anticipate by protecting your plantings.
Planting tomatoes too early
If we are mainly worried about late frosts, you should know that certain plants, like tomatoes, for example, cannot tolerate temperatures that are too low. Indeed, if you plant your tomatoes and temperatures are below 5°C, they risk dying or having great difficulty getting started. Here again, it is recommended to monitor the weather to proceed with planting as soon as temperatures are high enough.
Neglecting to protect
If you have made your first plantings and the risk of frost is forecast or the temperatures drop seriously, do not neglect to protect your plantings. Several solutions are possible:
- With mulch: this solution is suitable for plants that tolerate low temperatures, but not frost. Mulching effectively protects the roots against frost and, in this case, only the aerial parts are likely to freeze, but this is not serious.
- With a winter veil: it helps protect the most fragile plants.
- With a sheet: If you have not planned a winter veil, you can improvise protection by installing a sheet on a string to create a sort of tent above your most fragile plants.
- With tunnels or mini-greenhouses.
Taking your plants out too early
For the plants that you had sheltered when bad weather arrived, there is no need to rush. Do not take them out at the first rays of sunshine. Keep an eye on the weather to know when to do it. And above all, do it gradually: first during the day by bringing them in in the evening, then constantly.
For gardening with complete peace of mind
Whether you bought your plants or did your own seedlings, planting them can be a source of worry. With temperature monitoring and protection solutions, there is no reason to worry. In any case, wait until mid-May, which generally marks a return to more stable weather, to plant plants that are more sensitive to cold.
In the meantime, you can plant trees, shrubs and hardy perennials, which are frost-resistant.