Friday, February 20, 2009

Planting Time Confusion

I have been doing some research to try to figure out when I should actually plant my seeds and seedlings. According to the local Cooperative Extension, the last frost date is March 15. The manager at the local farmer's exchange says the last frost date has moved and is now around April 15. So, do I go with the first date, the second date or split the difference?
Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

2 comments:

  1. LisaFebruary 22, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Goodness, I'm surprised that anyone has mentioned a March 15 date for an average last frost in Upstate SC! I don't think I've ever seen that published anywhere.

    Here in Clemson (Zone 7b), April 15 is the 'average' that's been used for many years. It may be moved up a bit towards early April nowadays. BUT, remember, in 2007, the hard freeze on Easter (April 8) was definitely within the average range. There are good maps that show some of the variation.

    But, I'd definitely wait until after April 15 (or have protection at the ready) for anything like tomatoes, peppers, or eggplant, and don't directly sow anything outside that needs warmer soil (squash, corn, beans, etc.) until then. Hardier vegetables, yes, but warm season plants, no.

    Let me know if you have any questions -- I'd be glad to help! Give me a call or send me an e-mail (link through to my website info from my blog).

    Best wishes,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren H RichardsonFebruary 23, 2009 at 7:49 PM

    Thanks Lisa. I appreciate the offer and I may take you up on it.

    Lauren

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)