When Can I Start Planting?

 "What is the best time to plant?" or "When can I start planting?" These are common questions for new gardeners.

The simple answer to "What is the best time to plant?" is anytime you want, but with a few exceptions:

1) When the ground is not frozen. If you live in an area where the ground freezes you'll have to wait until it thaws in the spring. In early spring plants in the garden center are typically dormant which means they've not started to begin growing. You can plant them without fear once the gourn If the plants have started to grow, or are lush, it is best if you store you plants in a frost free location and plant them after the frost free date for your area. This map will show you when it is safe to plant out actively growing plants or when you can sow out your seed.

2) It is not advised to put out plants in the middle of summer just before you go on vacation. If you're not going to be around to water, wait until you get back before you do your planting. Newly planted container plants require regular watering. If you allow the root ball to dry out it is difficult to rewet the potting soil.