NEED A SPRINGTIME WAKE UP CALL? KEEP AN EYE ON NATURE’S ALARM CLOCK!
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Written By:
Shane Wade, The Happy Horticulturist
Source(s):
At Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation, we are passionate about enhancing the natural beauty of our community in Central Mississippi’s USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b!
As we observe Mississippi Arbor Day and Mississippi Tree Planting Week during the month of February 2025, we invite you to join us in celebrating these special occasions which are dedicated to the planting and nurturing of trees.
In today’s blog, we invite you to read on below to learn how one of our most beloved trees is known to provide gardeners with a tried and true method in determining when it’s time to safely plant your spring garden without the fear of frost!
How to Know When the Frost is Over in Central Mississippi
In Central Mississippi’s USDA Plant Zone 8b, knowing when the last frost has passed is crucial for gardeners eager to start planting.
One of the most reliable natural indicators?
The pecan tree. I like to think of it as nature’s “Smart Tree.”
Pecan Trees: Nature’s Frost Alarm
Pecan trees are among the last to break dormancy in the spring, making them a great sign that winter’s cold snaps are truly behind us.
Once their buds begin to swell and leaves start emerging, you can feel confident that the risk of frost has passed.
Because pecan trees are sensitive to freezing temperatures, they don’t start budding until conditions are consistently warm.
First, you’ll notice the buds swelling, then a green hue as they open, signaling that it’s time to prepare your garden for the growing season.
Regional Timing in Mississippi
In Central Mississippi, pecan trees typically begin to bud in late February to early March, depending on the weather patterns of a given year.
While occasional cold fronts may still roll through, a pecan tree’s response to warming temperatures is a dependable cue that winter is behind us.
Ready to Garden?
Once you see pecan buds emerging, you can confidently start planting your warm-season vegetables, flowers, and ornamentals.
This natural timing method helps ensure your plants won’t be damaged by a late frost, saving you from setbacks in your landscape and garden.
By watching the pecan trees, you’re tuning into nature’s own calendar: a time-tested way to know when it’s safe to dig in and enjoy the warmer season ahead!
Nutty Fun Facts About Mississippi Pecan Trees
Pecan trees are grown in Mississippi for both home use and commercial production. The state has some of the highest concentrations of wild pecan trees in the country.
Varieties
Owens and Kiowa: Recommended for the Mississippi Delta
Forkert, Cape Fear, and Choctaw: Recommended for the Mississippi Delta
Kiowa and Sumner: Preferred by South Mississippi growers
Melrose, Jackson, and Elliot: Preferred by South Mississippi growers
Production
Most commercial production is in the Delta
Hurricanes have devastated orchards in the past
Mississippi growers produce 2–4 million pounds of pecans per year
Growing
Plant trees away from buildings, power lines, and structures
Space trees 60–80 feet apart
Fertilize with nitrogen
Provide good drainage
Challenges
Sooty mold from aphids
Early leaf loss from diseases and insects
Crowding can cause misshapen trees and decreased production
History
Native Americans introduced pecans to European explorers in 1541
Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees at Monticello and shared them with George Washington
For some more really useful information on best practices related to all things Mississippi Pine Trees, we recommend checking out the Mississippi Pecan Growers Association’s “Growing Yard Pecan Trees” online resource page, and Mississippi State University Extension’s resource library at the links below:
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
As we celebrate 2025 Mississippi Arbor Day + Tree Planting Week, we are even more inspired to exceed expectations.
Whether you’re envisioning a new tree, a vibrant lawn, a cutting-edge irrigation system, or maybe you are dreaming of an outdoor oasis, Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation is here to help.
Call us today at 601-421-9713 or book your service online here for fast and easy scheduling!
The experts at Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation are are happy to design, install, maintain, update, or upgrade your outdoor space, ensuring that it suits your needs, goals, and budget.
“We have the expertise, experience, and equipment to handle any landscape, lawn care, or irrigation project, big or small.” - Shane Wade
CONTACT Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation to schedule an ON-SITE ESTIMATE APPOINTMENT.
LET’S GET SOCIAL, BUTTERFLY!
We welcome all of our “social butterfly” readers to stay in the loop with the latest on all things “Zone 8b” by connecting with us and following us on our social media channels!
🦋 Flutter on over to our new Link Tree landing page to connect with Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation on social media HERE.
LEAVE US A COMMENT
We invite you to leave your questions or comments in the comments section at the end of this post.
And, don't forget to subscribe to the DIRT
e-newsletter, and follow us on social media for more updates and exclusive content.
Thank you for reading our blog, and stay tuned for more tips, trends, updates, insights, and news coming soon from Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation’s Blog:
Brandon, Mississippi
601-421-9713
MEDIA CONTACT:
601-218-6900
Comments