When is it safe to plant?

We receive this question repeatedly throughout late April and early May when our temperatures are unpredictable. Problem is, there is no clear-cut answer. We have received frost as late as June in our area, quite a few times in May, and many times in late April. And because nobody knows when that last frost will be, it is impossible to say when it is safe to plant.

However, we can safely assume a few things :

• Perennials can be planted right away in mid-April when we open for the season. Our perennials, although a little "soft" due to being grown indoors, are hardened off quite a bit. We harden them off by keeping them as cool as possible during the night so that they will be better acclimated when our customers purchase them. They also won't be shocked so much by the cooler temps when our customers plant them outdoors after purchasing. As for the occasional frost that might occur, your perennials may experience some damage to the tips of the leaves or to developing buds/flowers. But that is the extent of the damage most times... they will simply grow new leaves and develop new buds/flowers.

• Annuals are a little more tricky. Usually what we recommend is putting your purchased annuals outdoors during the day (when temps are suitable, around 55 or above), and take them in at night. Do this for about a week while your annuals get acclimated to the cooler temps. Then, when temps are consistently above 40-45 at night, they can usually be planted. Of course, some plants like New Guinea Impatiens and other warm-loving annuals need temps consistently warmer (55-60 or above), so take care when placing them outdoors. And of course, be prepared to protect your already planted annuals if frost is predicted... bed sheets or a light blanket is best; plastic sometimes does not offer the best protection.

• Never leave your annuals in your garage or indoors for more than a day or two... even a day or two without direct light will cause many annuals to close up and cease flowering.

• Containers and hanging planters are easy to take in and out, which allows our customers to purchase earlier in the season so as to get the best "pick." Consider buying "movable" annuals earlier, and the rest of your annuals at a later time if you are worried about planting.

So, nobody knows when it is completely safe to plant in the spring. But following these guidelines can help you get the most out of the early season months, and not miss out on the better early selection.

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