Sow these seeds outdoors before last frost date!*

*The frost-hardy plants recommended below for cool season gardening do well with some snow and freezing temps, but it would be wise to keep frost cloths nearby to cover new seedlings from extreme cold and wind. The seeds you plant will need constant moisture so water daily until well established.

Don’t believe it if you’ve heard or read to wait until the last frost date to start planting! There are plenty of brave plants out there that will rise up and thrive despite the chilly temperatures. In fact, these cold-hardy veggies can tolerate light or moderate frosting without batting a leaf! So go ahead and give your garden some life while it might still be feeling like winter outside; your hard work will reward you before the local Farmers’ Market opens their doors. These can all be sown outdoors once the ground has thawed enough to be workable. And with the unusually warm weather we’ve been having this could be now!

COLD HARDY PLANTS

• Carrots

• Corn

• Peas

• Onions

• Seed potatoes

• Parsnips

• Spinach

• Turnips

• Lettuce

• Radishes.

Some long-season seedlings can also be planted before the last frost. Broccoli, beets, cabbage, cauliflower and kale can all be started from seed indoors before bringing them out several weeks before your projected frost-free date (this year it’s April 27 for central Indiana Zone 5B). Seedlings should be “hardened off,” or brought outside to face the elements during the day for about a week before you transplant them in order to let the plants acclimate to the elements.

You can also skip the process of growing your own plants from seeds and start with purchasing healthy seedlings from a nursery; just make sure you give them time to acclimate by hardening off before planting. That way, your plants have every chance of thriving!

Some perennial crops can be planted before the last frost-free date as well. Things like asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries, and woody plants like blueberries, raspberries and fruit trees do better if they’re planted a little bit early.

Even though there are lots of options for planting before the last frost-free date, don’t feel pressured to start too early or feel guilty if you’re late getting started.

You can plant late and still get a great yield from your garden! Look for “short season” varieties that have a faster rate to maturation if you can’t get started until late April or May. And as always, if you have questions or would like some help with your garden, you can reach me at hello@storiedgarden.com. Happy gardening!