One year ago, spring began with highs that soared all the way into the low to mid 80s. This time around, we're about 50 degrees colder than that, closer to the freezing mark. Despite the delayed start to spring, experts at the Toledo Botanical Garden say that spring, as far as the plants are concerned, is still on schedule.
"The plants are extremely resilient," Horticulturist Nick Guthrie told us. "Everything is right on pace as it should be.... We can already see some of the bulbs starting to emerge.... They'll hold off growing until they feel that warm air again."
When the cold weather does break, we'll likely see a fast jump into the 50s and 60s.
"I think people will be just a little more antsy to try to get out in the garden, so just hold off," Guthrie added.
Early-season vegetables, known as 'cold crops' shouldn't be planted until around the first of April, Nick says.
Our final frost doesn't typically occur until mid-May.
"Until you start to see things beginning to flower, followed by colder spells, that's when you need to start paying more attention to what's in the garden, and how you can protect those plants."
One plant that has sprung to life in this cold air is witch hazel. It's one of the earliest to bloom in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. If we were to fast forward two to three weeks into the future, witch hazel will have a lot more company, with other plants springing to life.
The experts say that if you do have plants covered, make sure you uncover them when we do warm up.
Otherwise, heat and excessive humidity under the cover can harm the plants.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:51:41 GMT
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:00 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:00:32 GMT
From around 11:01 to 11:05, the International Space Station will fly overhead, initially emerging from the northwestern horizon, then departing to the east. The weather should cooperate, with gradual clearing.
From around 11:01 to 11:05, the International Space Station will fly overhead, initially emerging from the northwestern horizon, then departing to the east. The weather should cooperate, with gradual clearing.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:57 PM EDT2013-06-17 23:57:59 GMT
Hail to the size of ping pong balls and golf balls, funnel clouds and uprooted, large trees have all been listed among the storm reports from central parts of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan
Hail to the size of ping pong balls and golf balls, funnel clouds and uprooted, large trees have all been listed among the storm reports from central parts of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan this Monday afternoon and evening.
Sunday, June 16 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-06-16 23:12:22 GMT
From June 1st through the 16th, we have received 4.37 inches of rain at the Toledo Express Airport. That is 1.99 inches above average for the time period, and about 8 times more than the same time last year.
From June 1st through the 16th, we have received 4.37 inches of rain at the Toledo Express Airport. That is 1.99 inches above average for the time period, and about 8 times more than the same time last year.
Saturday, June 15 2013 10:38 PM EDT2013-06-16 02:38:26 GMT
Sunday will begin with showers and thunderstorms at the Michigan International Speedway, but by noon, the bulk of the showers will exit to the southeast. Rain chances will quickly fall through the afternoon.
Sunday will begin with showers and thunderstorms at the Michigan International Speedway, but by noon, the bulk of the showers will exit to the southeast. Rain chances will quickly fall through the afternoon.
Thursday, June 20 2013 6:05 AM EDT2013-06-20 10:05:41 GMT
A driver is dead after a car crash in Williams County Wednesday night. The crash happened on U.S. 20 west of County Road 5. OHP says the driver was going westbound on U.S. 20 when the vehicle traveled
One person was killed in a crash in Williams County Wednesday night.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:28 GMT
Three young brothers who have been missing the more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and
Three young brothers who have been missing for more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:15:15 GMT
Most of us wouldn't be able to swim across Lake Erie, so imagine doing it with a debilitating condition. A Maumee man with Crohn's disease is training to cross the lake to help raise money and awareness
Maumee man set to swim across Lake Erie in an effort to raise money for help Crohn's disease research.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:12:43 GMT
Five St. Ursula students traveled to Washington, DC to be honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service. As part of their trip, they met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Washington Bureau Chief
Five St. Ursula students traveled to Washington, DC to be honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service. As part of their trip, they met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro tagged along during their visit.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:28 GMT
Three young brothers who have been missing the more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and
Three young brothers who have been missing for more than two years were featured on national TV Wednesday night. Former "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh profiled the case of Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton.
Thursday, June 20 2013 6:05 AM EDT2013-06-20 10:05:41 GMT
A driver is dead after a car crash in Williams County Wednesday night. The crash happened on U.S. 20 west of County Road 5. OHP says the driver was going westbound on U.S. 20 when the vehicle traveled
One person was killed in a crash in Williams County Wednesday night.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:44 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:44:14 GMT
LOS ANGELES (AP) - HBO and James Gandolfini's managers say the actor famous for his role in "The Sopranos" has died in Italy. The cable channel, and managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, say the
James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's "The Sopranos" helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:15:15 GMT
Most of us wouldn't be able to swim across Lake Erie, so imagine doing it with a debilitating condition. A Maumee man with Crohn's disease is training to cross the lake to help raise money and awareness
Maumee man set to swim across Lake Erie in an effort to raise money for help Crohn's disease research.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:09:35 GMT
Changes in technology are forcing Blissfield Manufacturing to close one plant and expand another. The company made the tough decision to shut down its Portland, Indiana plant as the owners work hard
Blissfield company announces it is closing a plant in Indiana and consolidating operations in its Blissfield headquarters adding 73 jobs.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:51:41 GMT
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:11:48 GMT
First Energy got started on a project to make its energy grid in Sandusky County more reliable, but the means of getting the job done may surprise some people. The company is using a helicopter to hang
First Energy got started on a project to make its energy grid in Sandusky County more reliable, but the means of getting the job done may surprise some people. The company is using a helicopter to hang high voltage transmission lines onto the arms of towers.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:08 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:08:49 GMT
An inmate at Toledo Correctional Institution was indicted Wednesday on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault. Dustin Lynch, 26, is accused of killing fellow inmate Arturo
An inmate at Toledo Correctional Institution was indicted Wednesday on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault. Dustin Lynch, 26, is accused of killing fellow inmate Arturo Lopez in March.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:00 GMT
After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning
After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning of more cuts for the district.
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