16-04-2025
Ozarks folklore: Good Friday planting, gardening superstitions
It's almost time to plant your crop or garden! You know what they say, Good Friday is the best time to get your plants in the ground.
Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl researched some old Ozarks wive's tales, folklore and superstitions when it comes to planting this time of year and brought in Meteorologist Tom Schmidt to give his thoughts on some of the more unique traditions farmers and Native Americans have passed down through the years.
Here's a list of some old Ozarks Folklore based on the book Folk Wisdom of the Ozarks by W.C. Jameson.
Jameson mentions these sayings and sage advice was passed down through farming families so they could better manage their crops and provide an abundant harvest.
It's based on the idea that plants and animals tend to follow predictable cycles in the spring.
Good Friday is the best day of the year to begin planting.
The best time for planting corn is when the oak leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear.
Planting a garden on Sunday will bring bad luck.
Use onion juice on an insecticide on squash plants.
Plant hair cut from the head of a dead person with your seed and it will ensure a good crop.
Sleep north to south or south to north, you will have a poor crop, sleep east to west or west to east, your crops will grow.
If it rains before noon on Easter morning, it will rain for seven straight days.
Have a simple minded person plant your cucumbers to guarantee a good crop.
Ozarks First's very own Tom Trtan also contributed one very unique gardening tip he says was passed down to him from a local farmer…
'To determine when to plant, put your bare behind on the open soil, if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your plants. If it's warm on your skin, go ahead and plant.'
How many of these old Ozarks superstitions have you heard? Lets us know on the Ozarks First Facebook or Instagram pages.
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