Can I plant before the last frost?

To plant before the last frost, you need to know about frost tolerance and protection processes. Only hardy flowers, like pansies and snapdragons, survive freezing temperatures. Tender types, such as zinnias, will perish immediately. I discovered this after losing a complete bed of marigolds due to a surprise April frost.

Continuously check soil temperature. Cold soils with temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit inhibit root growth, even as the air temperature rises. Use a digital probe thermometer at root depth. My records indicate that snapdragons fail if the soil temperature is below 40°F. If growing the crops in advance for next year, warm soil beds with dark plastic for at least 10 days before planting.

Use frost cloth properly. Place the plants on the ground before dusk, allowing them to retain warmth from the soil, secure edges with soil or weight. Remove on sunny days. I double wrap it for polar vortexes, also using straw insulation. Pair with mini greenhouses for delicate starts.

Adjustments for regional differences Southern zones may plant up to 3 weeks earlier than northern areas or those just above the planting zone. Coastal gardens may face risks such as damage from salty spray. Urban areas (with heat islands) may get additional frost-free days. Mountain areas may still get late frosts into June, requiring special care.

Always monitor NOAA forecasts and soil temperatures together, plant hardy types during protracted cold periods. Wait for the tender flowers until a consistent warm period has settled in. Your success will depend on how well you can match plants to their respective microclimate conditions.

Read the full article: When to Plant Flowers: Month-by-Month Guide