The Photoperiodism Effect

All* Trees & bagged EarthMix® Landscape, 25% off through June 26th!

It represents a line of demarcation, a literal ‘tipping-point’.  This Friday evening, June 20, 2025 at 9:42 PM, those of us in the northern hemisphere will experience a subtle change: The days will begin getting shorter, as we approach Equinox.  Not much shorter initially, only a few seconds, but progressively shorter until we reach the Autumnal Equinox, where the day/night cycle is roughly equal.  This ultimately equates to several minutes of ‘equaling’ daily. This ‘photoperiodism’ effect affects all living things.

In spring, every day grows longer, and full of promise. Now summer, we stand in full sunlight, strong and growing. Come autumn, our days slowly shorten, not with regret, but with the beauty of harvest and experience. Winter next approaches, not with dread, but with a promise of renewal for what lies ahead. The impermanence of everything tangible is certain.  Nothing lasts in perpetuity, time relentlessly dominates.

For the last 16 years, I have been privileged to put forth this weekly missive (although some think it’s monthly). I continue to be amazed by the attentive engagement, this communication has afforded me to you. The 1500 people who began this journey now approaches 35,000; fully 16,000 gardeners take the time to read this every week. Thank You!

In the connected spirit I have to my grandmother, Bessie Bates, it is time for a transition to begin.  Not all at once, but with deliberation.  My daughter, Sara Bates, will begin her co-contribution to this space, beginning next week.  I am thrilled with the prospects of the relationship you will develop with her.  She will not write exactly like me, nor should she. Sara will provide, her own informational and entertaining, fourth-generation gardening style!  

Saturday morning, live at 8 AM, we enlighten your gardening questions…with answers: “Gardening Inside Out”. Listen to our Podcast anytime! Follow and contact us:  Facebook.  YouTube.  Instagram. 

Something extra special for all BatesRewards members; 25% off All* trees, and bagged EarthMix® Landscape®!

Stay tuned for Sara, next week!

David Bates

*excluding Japanese Maples, in-store only