Why Stress, Move 'Em Inside

Wagering a good guess here that you have some purchased garden center plants that are resting outside just waiting to be put in the ground on Mother's Day. This can't wait spirit happens to every gardener I know (including myself). Resistance is low and futile in waiting to buy plants close to the the so-called final spring frost date, then hardening them off for several days, and finally planting them in their new garden home.

I purchased plants over two weeks ago, then again a few days ago. Where are they right now? As you can see from the photos they are inside near a south facing window and downstairs under grow lights. Technically the perennials in the top photo were growing outside at the garden center so they are hardened off and ready for planting after the final spring frost. I could have kept them outside - tossed a floating row cover over them and called it good thinking they'd be fine, but why sweat it?

The yellow pansies have been growing in a container outside for weeks, I just liked the way they look in the foreground of the photo so brought them inside too.

Stowing new plant purchases inside a garage or home for the next couple of nights until we're well out of the low 40s isn't strenuous moving and makes for a stress free start to the garden season. 

My hands are ready for digging in the soil, but my brain knows not to plant until nights are consistently near or above fifty-five degrees. Exceptions are hardened off cool season vegetables and direct seeded ornamental annuals that can be seeded right before or near the final spring frost date (check your seed packet).

Perennials Inside Near a South Facing Window

 

Warm season Vegetables and Herbs under Lights