As the second smallest state in the country, Delaware gardeners may also look for information about surrounding states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to learn about important gardening trends for the upcoming year. However, Delaware also has some of its own unique concerns and things to know for spring 2023.
What Type of Climate Does Delaware Have?
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The state of Delaware has a continental climate. That means the winters are cold, with snow and plenty of freezing temperatures. The summers are hot, and there is precipitation throughout the whole year. In general, the growing season starts in spring and ends in fall because the risk of freezing runs from about October 18 until April 20 each year.
All weather in the state is heavily affected by its proximity to the ocean. The entire state is a coastal zone, and nowhere in the state is further than 8 miles from some type of coastal water.
It is also part of the mid-Atlantic region of the US and shares some climate similarities to other states in the area.
2022 Weather for Delaware
In 2022, there were some extreme weather events in The Diamond State. Hurricane Ian was only a tropical storm when it hit the state but caused coastal flooding, high winds, and heavy rains. In November, the remnants of Hurricane Nicole hit the state with similar results, minus the flooding. These events don’t necessarily destroy gardens, but avid gardeners should try to protect delicate plants from strong winds during these fall storms for a strong spring start.
The main cause of concern for Delaware gardeners might be rising temperatures. According to climate experts, temperatures in the state have risen 3 degrees on average since 1900. That may not seem like much, but a few degrees is enough to affect water absorption and overall growth patterns.
Delaware Spring Gardening Tips and Dates to Know
March
Delaware spring gardening starts in March. Even though temperatures are still frigid at this early point, it’s all about getting your garden ready to go. Cut back or remove dead perennials, clean winter debris from garden beds, and start weeding once the snow has cleared from the ground. Rake up dead leaves to give your early spring flowers and plants room to come through.
In March, you should also start some seeds indoors. Tomatoes and peppers are warmer-weather plants that do best inside for their starting time. You can also start warm-weather flowers such as amaranth or floss flowers inside at this time.
March is also the time to plant your trees and shrubs. You can start as long as the soil is soft and warm enough to dig through. If it’s a particularly late winter, you may want to wait until April or the end of March.
April
April is when the magic and the work begins for mid-Atlantic gardeners. This is the time to plant most things and mulch your garden bed. If you plan to buy plants from a nursery, you’ll want to go earlier in the month, as most gardeners will do the same. If there are rare plants that you have your eye on, going earlier ensures you will get them.
One other thing to do in April is to apply deer repellent. These animals are cute, but they love to eat all sorts of things that grow in gardens and have a reputation for destroying beautiful yards. Many deer repellants smell bad because they are made from rotten eggs, but expert gardeners consider this part of the territory. However, there are also some better-smelling soap-based repellents that some people find effective.
May
In May, you should plant your summer annuals and transplant the seeds you started indoors in March. These types of plants do best when the soil temperature is 55 degrees and above. Stake plants with large or heavier flowers and fruits to prevent plant damage. And, throughout May and the rest of the summer, weeding should become your regular practice. Remember as temperatures rise to water in the cooler morning or evening for maximum water absorption.
Resources for Delaware Gardeners
- Central Atlantic Region of Gardening Clubs – This organization is a collection of clubs with gardening advice for the entire mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware.
- Delaware Garden Clubs – This Delaware-focused organization has several projects running across the state that encourage people to learn about gardening and create beautiful gardens in the state.
- Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group – This non-profit is fully run by volunteer gardening enthusiasts and helps people share gardening skills.
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