Spring Planting

We are just as excited as you are to get plants in the ground! Even though we have been growing crops for our retail stores since December it is still exciting to plant and grow our own gardens at home.

We are in FULL swing for spring at our stores! The trucks are rolling in one by one and sometimes two by two! Beautiful Spring perennials and shrubs are currently available as well as gorgeous colorful annuals.

Is it ok plant now?

As temps go back and forth from cold to warm this spring it is imperative to watch night time temps. We are still in danger of freezing temps and frost until April 27, 2025 according to the Farmer’s almanac. Consider covering tender plants with a frost cloth or bed sheet when temps are calling for a freeze.
• Light freeze: 29° to 32°F (-1.7° to 0°C)—tender plants are killed.
• Moderate freeze: 25° to 28°F (-3.9° to -2.2°C)—widely destructive to most vegetation.
• Severe freeze: 24°F (-4.4°C) and colder—heavy damage to most garden plants.
If you are purchasing plants from inside a greenhouse, it is suggested to harden them off before planting in the ground. To harden off a plant simply place it outside during the daytime and inside at night for 3 days. This helps the plant acclimate to colder temps and aides in its success. Plants purchased outside can stay outside overnight right away. No need to harden them off as they are already acclimated to the temps.

Now is a great time to plant onions and garlic. These would be a great pairing with herbs for tasty seasoning for salsa, salad dressing, and meals. Other cold crops to consider:
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• Resilient greens: kale, collards, spinach, chard, arugula, and radicchio.
• Root crops: turnips, parsnips, garlic, beets, and carrots.
• Others: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, Swiss chard, and onions

Pro tip: Succession planting of the same crop gives you multiple harvest times throughout the growing season.

Spring perennials and shrubs can be planted in the ground now.
Pro tip: Consider planting flowering perennials and shrubs for all season interest. Click here for a list of seasonal interest plants.

As you shop in our stores you will see tender annuals available for purchase. If you have a greenhouse or a place to keep them protected from the cold temps until we are out of danger of frost, then yes, it is ok to purchase them now. If you do not have a way to protect them, you might want to consider buying them closer to the end of April when the danger of frost is clear. Petunias, calibrachoa, snapdragons can tolerate cooler temps but do not want to freeze. Pansies, ranunculus and nemesia are a few that can handle slightly below freezing temps for a short period of time.

It is good practice to fertilize your plants in order to keep them healthy and productive. You will notice more profuse blooms and rigorous growth. We can help you make the right choice when deciding what is best for the plants that you are purchasing. We recommend a granular fertilizer for new planting as well as organic compost. Once plants are established a liquid fertilizer is recommended. Edible plants also need to be fed for better production especially if growing in a container or raised bed. Consider organic fertilizers when using them on edibles. We like Espoma’s line of fertilizers.
Pro tip: It is necessary to use compost and/or fertilizer when planting in containers as there is no natural nutrients in the soil like there would be in the ground. NEVER use ground soil in your pots. It compacts and becomes too dense for plant roots.

Come with your list in hand and grab a cart! We hope to see you soon! Happy shopping!