Spring Planting
Spring is when most of the garden's real activity starts — but jumping the gun on planting too early is one of the most common and costly mistakes new gardeners make.
Waiting for the Right Signals
Soil temperature, not just the calendar, determines when it's safe to plant — cold, wet spring soil can rot seeds and stress young transplants even after the air feels warm. A simple soil thermometer, or even just a hand pressed into the soil, gives a better read than guessing from the date alone.
Tender annuals and vegetables should wait until after the last frost date, while hardier cool-season plants can go in several weeks earlier.
Harden off indoor-started seedlings by setting them outside for a few hours a day over a week before planting — a sudden move from indoor conditions to full outdoor sun can shock or scorch tender leaves.
Cleaning Up Before Planting
Spring is also the time to clear away winter debris, cut back last year's dead perennial growth, and refresh mulch before new plantings go in. A clean bed makes it far easier to spot early pest or disease problems before they spread.
