So it's possible that I didn't err by starting my tomatoes at the end of January?

WOO HOO--I need to check our local folks, but if you're getting an early spring, then we're likely got enjoy one also.

I'll be marching along behind you. :)

Today is a quintessentially hideous march day in the coastal northeast. Feels like it will be at least six months before a dandelion blooms.

The odd thing is that none of the crop farmers I've talked to are the least bit excited about this weather. One claimed that fog in January means that we will have a late spring frost. I had not heard that one before.

Nonetheless, I think this weather is somewhat comforting to high tunnel vegetable growers. Last year I burned 2 cords of wood to keep crops growing in the spring. I'm hoping I can get by with just one this spring.

We didn't really have winter here. A few frosts and freezes, but nothing like normal. Most days have been in the 70's and 80's. I have to keep looking at the calendar to know what month it is. Our last frost date is March 31. Still antsy about getting an early start, but I don't have anything to cover with if we do get nasty weather. I want to grow everything from seeds this year. Lots cheaper and the plants I have bought in the box stores (no garden centers nearby)in years past always have bugs and/or diseases.

My March plans had initially included the beginning of my sunchoke harvest next week and putting in the first rows of peas mid-month... which could easily still happen. Given that we're getting our best snowfall of the year right now, that may be postponed... or require a little top-undressing before I get to the harvesting part. Sunchokes are a remarkably forgiving crop, but not necessarily worth shoveling snow to harvest, and I have no delivery obligations till Easter week-end. It's truly spring in the hoop houses now, but even they will be a bit cool come Sunday.

My tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers were started in early February. Feb. 10, I started onions. Ten days ago, celery, cardoons and some lettuce (though my main lettuce will be direct seeded). But really, with 40/30 temperatures and some sun, I could already seed arugula, radish, spinach and peas outside and under hoops this week end. In fact, why not? It's all Dennis fault. I will also pick the last of the carrots and half the parsnips of course.

Thanks for the reminder, I had forgotten about onions....

Extended forecast is very mild.

Monday our high should be around 30-32. So March 10 is going to be the day of first planting.

Started my small tiller, the big one and my mower just a half hour ago. Gonna use the Mantis style Honda in a coupla days to chew up a 12 by 16 spot for squash and green onions. Wont put the squash out till May tho. Ordered 3 packets of tomato seed yesterday from TGS as tho I really need them...lol. Got three tomatoes started under lights and I am chomping at the bit....gonna try KBX this yr for the first time...cant wait!

I'm not growing much from seed this year cause we'll be gone for a week and I don't have a house sitter except someone to put some food out for the cat.
I also can't find my heat mat and don't want to buy another!
We'll be back at the end of March, just enough time to finish prepping the beds for our April 15th Last frost date!
Thankfully, most of the best local (organic) plant sales are happening during that week! Chiropractor, here I come April 16th! (He expects me about then!) LOL

Don't get too excited, Here in Green Bay. March 1 just north of here -16"----March 2- 8 PM--out my window-2" new snow since 4PM and expect to have 7" by morning.Don't put the snow blower away yet.

Concerning the weather, remember the saying, "When March comes in like a lamb, it goes out like a lion." Or do I have it backwards? :) Anyway, the weather is fickle, so don't ever believe those flaky long-term forecasts. ;)

With the death toll due to weather now at 29 and rising in the middle of the US for the month of March, I'm inclined to say it's in like a lion for many. Here in Maine we have more snow than we've had all year, and just plain nasty out today. I'm not complaining, we've had a very mild winter, with plenty of time to be outside and productive. It'll get here.