If you’re anything like me, you could be a bit depressed by the lingering cooler weather that winter just refuses to pack up and leave with. For weeks, we’ve been preparing our beds, weeding, reloading soil and getting our gardening tools in order but the frustration still burns with the question, ”Is it time to plant yet?” The answer is well, sort of….
Perennials can yes, absolutely be planted in the ground but as most of you know who have previously planted, you’ve already seen them making an appearance. Flox was the first to arrive this year in my flower patch, followed by sedum and columbine. It was rather exciting to see something grow but it’s almost June right? Shouldn’t the earth be covered in splendid color instead of the brown patches strewn across our lawns? It’s known as a sluggish spring, which means that the nights are still too cold (not rising above 50 degrees) to place frost susceptible plants outdoors. If you have a greenhouse, you’re all set. If you don’t, your windowsills should still be hosting seedlings for another week or so. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant and squash could still get nipped so stick to broccoli and cauliflower that can take the cold a little better than the others. Snap peas are another great way to pass the time until things heat up because they take a bit to sprout.
Flowers are also something you want to be weary of before sticking them in the ground because although nurseries are carrying them now, it doesn’t mean they are ready for the great outdoors. Many growers will harvest them in their nice warm greenhouses to get them ready for their customers but many are disappointed when they take them home and they die instantly. In order to make sure that doesn’t happen, select springtime bulbs or species such as delphinium, lavender and rock flowers. Not only will they pop a pretty color in your yard but they’ll return next year. Stay away from geraniums, lantana and other “soft” blooms that need the temperature to rise above 60 in order to thrive and survive.
I know it’s a lot to ask for but if we wait a little while longer, we’ll see a massive difference when it comes to our flower and vegetable gardens. Happy Planting!
Now Later
Snap Peas Geraniums
Sun Flower Seeds Lantana
Sedum Cucumbers
Lavender Tomatoes