As the days grow longer and temperatures start to rise, many eager gardeners are itching to get their hands dirty and start planting. But before you rush out to the garden center, experts are urging caution - making one common mistake this time of year could end up costing you both time and money.
What's the big warning? Don't plant your spring flowers and vegetables too early, say horticulture experts on "Great Day TV". While the recent warm weather may have your green thumb tingling, the reality is there's still a significant risk of late-season frost that could devastate newly planted seedlings.
Timing is Everything in the Garden
The key, according to the experts, is to time your plantings to align with your local climate and weather patterns. In many regions, the average last frost date can linger well into April or even May. Putting plants in the ground too soon, before this risk has passed, leaves them vulnerable to cold snaps that can stunt growth or kill them outright.
"Planting too early is one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make," says horticulture agent Lane Wiens. "Even if it's warm now, we're likely to see more cold weather that can really damage tender new growth."
Protecting Plants from the Cold
So what's the solution? Experts recommend holding off on planting anything too delicate until at least mid-spring, when the threat of frost has significantly diminished. In the meantime, focus on hardier cool-weather crops like lettuces, peas, and radishes that can handle a bit of chill.
And for those plants you just can't resist putting in the ground early? Be prepared to provide protection on those chilly spring nights, advises gardening expert Jim Dammann. Simple covers, cloches, or even old sheets can go a long way in insulating vulnerable seedlings.
The bottom line? While it may be tempting to start gardening as soon as the first blooms appear, patience is key to a healthy, thriving spring garden. Wait until the weather is reliably warm, and your plants will thank you with bountiful harvests and vibrant flowers all season long.