As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that determining whether it is currently spring or fall depends on which definition you are using. There are two commonly used definitions of seasons: astronomical and meteorological.
According to the astronomical definition, the seasons are based on the positions of the Earth in relation to the Sun. Spring begins around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun is directly over the equator. Fall, also known as autumn, begins around September 22nd or 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the Autumnal Equinox. These dates can vary slightly each year due to the Earth’s orbit.
On the other hand, the meteorological definition of seasons is based on temperature patterns and is used for statistical purposes. According to this definition, spring includes the months of March, April, and May, while fall encompasses September, October, and November. This definition is often used by meteorologists and climatologists to simplify data analysis and comparisons.
Currently, if we are following the astronomical definition, it would depend on the specific date you are reading this. If it falls between March 1st and May 31st, then it is spring. However, if we are following the meteorological definition, then it would depend on whether the current month is March, April, or May for it to be considered spring.
Personally, I find the meteorological definition more practical when it comes to gardening and landscaping. It allows us to align our activities and plans with the typical weather patterns of each season. For example, in spring, we anticipate warmer temperatures, melting snow, and new growth in plants. This is an exciting time for gardeners as we prepare the soil, start seeds indoors, and eagerly wait for the first signs of greenery.
During the fall season, which typically starts in September, we witness the changing colors of leaves, cooler temperatures, and the preparation of plants for the upcoming winter. It’s a time to harvest the remaining crops, clean up the garden beds, and begin planting bulbs for the next spring.
In my personal experience, the transition between seasons can sometimes be blurry. Depending on where you live, there may be fluctuations in temperature and weather patterns that don’t align perfectly with the calendar dates. Additionally, some plants may exhibit characteristics of both seasons simultaneously. For example, you may see some early blooming flowers while others are still in the process of shedding their leaves.
To summarize, whether it is currently spring or fall depends on the definition you are using. Astronomically, it depends on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun, while meteorologically, it is determined by temperature patterns. Both definitions have their merits, but as a gardening and landscaping expert, I personally find the meteorological definition more practical for planning and executing seasonal activities.
