I'm in Zone 6a, where we usually wait until Memorial Day to plant. However, I started my tomatoes and okra indoors back in February, and they're ready to go! I have 12 and 18-inch deep raised beds, and I've heard that raised beds can be warmer than regular ground. Can I plant my seedlings a bit earlier, or should I be worried about unexpected frost killing them?
1 Answer
Raised beds do tend to have temperature swings more than flat ground. They warm up quickly but they can also cool down faster at night. So while your beds might get a jump on the season, you should definitely keep an eye on the nighttime temperatures before transplanting. A soil thermometer can be a good investment to check if it’s warm enough for your plants.
Ah! That makes sense. Thank you!