The dates of the Ice Saints for 2022
After the riders of the cold follow the saints of ice. Thus, in the calendar, we celebrate the cold riders, that is to say the Saints Georges, Marc, Robert, Philippe, between the end of April and the beginning of May. This corresponds to a weather transition period during which the weather is rather capricious. Then, it is the ice saints that we celebrate.
Popular belief since the Middle Ages has been that this period is the last when nighttime temperatures can drop low enough to cause frost.
From there were born three sayings :
- “Saint Pancrace often brings ice. “
- “Be careful, the first of the Ice Saints, you often keep track of him. “
- “Before Saint-Servais, no summer; after Saint-Servais, no more jelly. “
Ice saints are three in number:
- Saint Mamert that we celebrate May 11 each year;
- Saint Pancrace that we celebrate May 12 each year;
- Saint-Servais that we celebrate May 13 each year;
Since 1960, the Catholic Church has made changes that have resulted in the disappearance of these names from the current calendar, but the dates remain essential for any self-respecting gardener.
Belief and Facts
Anchored for a very long time in manners, the belief wants that, even if the season encourages to do it, nothing is planted before the ice saints, because as long as they have not passed, the risk of frost is important and your plantations may suffer. Nonetheless, this is a belief that should be taken with a grain of salt. Indeed, if we refer to the statistical data of the weather, there is nothing on these specific days which underlines a greater risk.
On the other hand, during the first 15 days of May, we actually note a descent of cold air which can lead to frost. Which may partly explain these sayings.
Other than Ice Saints, what needs to be considered in knowing when to plant safely is The geographic location, because frost episodes can last until the end of May in regions where the climate is harsher or in high altitude areas.
What are the precautions to be taken?
Even so, whether you believe it or not, it is best to wait until the last Ice Saint before put your plants in the ground, that is after the second week of May. Less chilly plants can escape this rule, provided you take certain precautions:
- You can plant them earlier by using tunnels, wintering sails.
- Another solution is not to put them in the ground right away, so you can bring in the pots in the evening to avoid the risk of night frost. Watch the weather closely. As the days become milder, you may be tempted to take advantage of the opportunity to plant early in the season. But if you notice that the sky is very clear at the end of the day and that the evening is clear, then the risk of frost is important. Protect your crops as much as possible.
- If the weather is mild, it also happens that flowering fruit trees starts earlier, which has tended to happen in recent years. If their size allows it, try to protect them as well.