It's April - Is it Safe to Plant?
The Big Question
Planting season is just around the corner! and we all have Spring Fever, but how early is too early to plant? In Zone 7 (our local PA planting zone), the rule of thumb is - it's safe to plant AFTER Mother's Day. That's when the last chance of frost has passed and you can start planting Tomatoes, Peppers, Zinnias, Marigolds, and other Summer garden favorites without worry of cold damage. But what to do if you're eager to plant (like all die-hard garden lovers are this time of year) and simply cannot wait?! Well, there are varieties you can plant now, and with a little care, get a head start on this year's garden.
Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Chard
- Peas
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
- Turnips
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Onion
- Radishes
- Peppers, Tomatoes, Eggplant (if properly protected - read the section below about covering plants)
Frost Tolerant Annuals
These are annuals that can withstand light frosts and can normally be planted before average frost-free date. Some damage to flowers and foliage can occur if temperatures fall below freezing or if exposed to hard frosts.
- Alyssum
- Snapdragon
- Calendula
- Lobelia
- Phlox
- Cosmos
- Torenia
- Nasturtium
Freeze Tolerant Annuals
Annuals that can withstand freezing temperatures and hard frosts for short periods with little or no injury.
- Argyranthemum
- Dracaena (Spikes)
- Sweet Peas
- Viola
- Nemesia
- Brachycombe
- Dusty Miller
- Osteospermum
- Verbena
- Foxglove
- Calibrachoa
- Petunia
- Pansy
- Dianthus
- Gazania
Perennials
It is generally safe to plant fruit trees, fruiting plants, trees, shrubs, and perennials. If they are flowering or have tender growth they may need to be covered if frost or freezing is in the forecast.
What if it gets really cold?
If you have plants in hanging baskets or other containers, bring them inside. Covers can be used to limit frost injury (see below). However, protection for temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit may not be possible.
Covering Plants
You may have noticed that plants placed under the leaf canopy of a large tree or a building overhang escape serious freeze damage, while those out in the open are killed. These covers contain the earth’s heat. On a cold night with air temperatures in the twenties, the earth’s surface at 52 degrees is like a giant heater. et soil transfers heat better than dry soil. Old sheets, blankets and light rugs placed over the plants may limit cold injury to annual flowers. Leaving air spaces between plants and covers increases insulation. Heavy materials that might damage the plants should be avoided. Also, avoid plastic. Plastic will transfer the cold to the plant and provides little insulating value.
Seeding & Transplanting
How about planting seeds outdoors or transplanting seedlings that were started indoors? We've taken the guess work out of that question for you! Check out our handy Seeding and Transplanting Charts that display a whole time table of planting times.
Seeding & Transplanting Charts