The crocuses are blooming and there is a stretch in the evenings, but although it looks like spring is on its way, is it still too early to plant?
If you’re eager to get out into the garden, you should be sure not to plant warm-season annuals and tender perennials if there’s still frost on the way, or your efforts will be in vain.
It is best to wait until the last frost date in spring; However, this will happen every year and also depending on the region, meaning you have to follow a different set of rules in London than in Glasgow.
You can estimate when the last frost date will be using data from previous years, which can be found at Plant maps.
It may seem like spring is on the way, but is it too early to get out into the garden and start planting? (archive image)
However, gardening experts recommend that you also check local weather reports for the most up-to-date guidance before planting.
While you have to wait until warmer weather to grow tomatoes, for example, cool-season vegetables like lettuce thrive in spring, according to bhg.com.
These versatile crops grow even if it is still a little cold and even before the last frost date.
If your soil has thawed to the point where you can dig it, feel free to scatter cool-season vegetable seeds in the garden right away instead of starting them indoors.
Abundant display of colorful viola tricolor pansies, which tend to tolerate cold weather well (stock image)
Examples include chard, kale and radishes, which grow surprisingly quickly in spring and tolerate frost well.
But some flowers can also withstand the cold before the last frost and continue to bloom, including species like snapdragons and pansies.
You can also plant bare root trees before the last frost date because they have not yet grown new leaves and will tolerate colder temperatures well if necessary.