I've noticed our springs are feeling milder lately, especially here in western Colorado, and I'm contemplating how this trend might impact the timing for my planting and sowing. In the past, I've typically waited until right after my last frost date to buy starts from a local nursery. This year, I'm trying to start more from seeds, so I'm extra vigilant about the weather. Our spring has been surprisingly mild, which makes me worry I might get too comfortable and plant early. But I also don't want to miss my chance to direct sow before the heat hits. Should I stick with the traditional planting calendars, or should I trust the weather forecasts and take a risk?
5 Answers
Same here! I used to have my planting dates all figured out, but with the warming trends, I just don't know anymore. I’ve recently got some cheap bare-root strawberries and seeds ready to test out, even if they might not survive. I was convinced winter storms were on their way, but this year's forecast isn’t suggesting any. I doubt we’ll see late frosts, but I’ll just keep an eye on things.
I'm totally on the same page! I have my fruit trees, like an Asian pear and a peach tree, that are starting to bud. Just the other day, it hit 70 in Chicago, but today there's slushy snow everywhere! I’m really worried about my peaches; I'm crossing my fingers they survive this wild weather change.
I’m in zone 6B, and I definitely agree; the best way to ensure a late frost is to plant too early!
Here in my zone 7B, it’s clear the last frost dates are moving up. I remember planting peas and radishes on March 15 just last year, but now I’m pushing it to March 1! I started my tomatoes a bit late this time, but they’ll still be okay when it’s time to plant. Keeping an eye on the 10-day forecast is key; I’ve had to throw plastic sheets over them more than once. Best of luck with your planting!
I always start my veggies from seed too, and I usually set them out a week or two before the average last frost if the forecast looks promising. I keep a backup set of plants indoors just in case the first round doesn't make it. I've learned the hard way that some plants, like tomatoes, can be really sensitive; cold weather can bend their growth, making it better to plant them a bit later to ensure they flourish.
So true! I’ve seen that happen way too often.