How To

How to Avoid Planting a Garden Too Early

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By Kat Yares
eHow Community Member

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(2 Ratings)

It feels like spring outside. The sun is shining and the temps are in the 70s, at least for today. If you’re like most gardeners, you’re eager for planting time as you’ve had your seed for weeks, your seedlings are almost ready for replanting and you are itching to get that garden in. Wait before you start planting to make sure spring has actually sprung before you put that garden in.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Consult the seed package or a good gardening book to discover which plants can handle freezing weather or frosts.
Step 2

Look inside any seed catalog or online for the USDA zone map. This map will show the date when the last killing freeze is normal for the area where you live.
Step 3

Plant root crops, such as potatoes and onions, early. Cover generously with mulch to protect the young plants from freezing temperatures.
Step 4

Plant the remainder of your garden after the last frost date according to your zone. If a late freeze or frost is forecasted, use plastic sheeting to protect the tender plants.

Tips & Warnings

It is hard to resist planting when the temperatures are warm. But in many areas of the country, a killing freeze can hit as late as April or May.
To get an early start, do some container gardening. Make sure the containers you use can be brought inside or protected at night when the temperatures are cooler.
Before transplanting seedlings outside, be sure to allow the young plants additional adjustment time by setting them outside for a few days.

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