Every year after months of gray skies and white and brown vistas, the first warmish days of March, or in the case of this year...February, bring on a full blown case of spring fever in every gardener in the region. The Easter lilies and potted hyacinths can soothe the soul for a little while, but soon the urge to get our hands into the soil becomes irresistible. Those fresh, lush shrubs and perennials call to us from their cheerful displays, and most of us have been seduced by their beauty at one time or another.
If this has already happened to you this season, don't despair. Those little charmers can brighten your porch, but do not plant them just yet. The soil is still cold and we will almost certainly get a few more frosts before mid-May. There is nothing to be gained by planting plants with tender leaves this early. They won't start growing until the soil warms, and they might be damaged or killed by frost.
When is it safe to plant? In general, the last frost date in our area is May 15th. Many folks put in their bedding plants on Mother's Day, while others wait for the snow to melt off of Rathdrum Mountain. Some say to wait until the lilacs in your area begin to bloom. These are all good guidelines, but for those in outlying areas that are known cold spots like Athol or Spirit Lake, push it back two more weeks. In any case, check the weather forecast every evening for sudden temperature drops and be prepared to protect the tender babies.
What is safe to plant now? Any tree, shrub or perennial that was wintered over outdoors in our area is safe to plant now because it is at the right stage of growth for our climate. Bare root plants that are just breaking bud or are still dormant are generally safe as well. Now is also a good time to plant cold hardy veggies like peas, spinach, kale, and just about anything else in the cabbage family.
Satisfy the urge for working in the dirt by, well, working in the dirt. Dig in compost and manure, rake out beds, divide perennials, hoe weeds, but please, be patient and wait to plant tender annual flowers and cold sensitive vegetables like tomatoes and peppers or flushed out trees and shrubs. You will be a much more relaxed and happy gardener if you do!
