HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Some flowers and plants are already responding to the mild 2023 to 2024 winter. Consequently, many people have started to get their garden equipment ready for the upcoming spring season.

''It's too early to start gardening of most plants and flowers, since freezing temperatures will wipe them out. However, tulips and daffodils are more resistant to the cold weather,'' said Donald Zeigler, co-owner of Zeigler Florists. 

Frost can impact the Twin Tiers region into mid-May, and Zeigler said that frost is the worst thing that can happen to any plant that bears fruit.

''Don't cover your plants with plastics. Stay away from plastic coverings like garbage bags over your plant, that will transmit the cold very quickly and freeze whatever is inside the bag. Use a cloth or newspaper type substance,'' said Zeigler. 

In 2023, the warm winter caused grape production to occur early. A period of frost came through in May, which devastated vineyards across the Finger Lakes. 

Zeigler recommends not planting before Memorial Day. However, some leaves and flowers are on the rush to blossom because of the unseasonably warm weather the last two months.