HAVING FUN IN THE SUN

The weather is so great and the “Big Box” stores are offering everything from cabbage to tomatoes but beware of unforeseen weather changes in the future. I have looked at the 10-day forecast and I must say it’s all good. But I cannot see the 11th day, or the 12th, etc. and so I must rely on past experience and just know that planting tomatoes and peppers before the 10-15 of May is risky. Remember that the moon plays a big part in weather factors and usually when it is full, we have a big change in weather conditions. During the month of May, that usually means a cold spell.

Instead, what I like to do is to gather up all of my empty pots and hanging baskets and window boxes and plant them up with combinations of flowers and colors that I like and get an early start on the season. Remember that as long as the nighttime temperatures are in the mid 40s or warmer you can leave all of your plants outside all night long. Just be prepared to move them inside if and when the temperatures threaten to drop in the 30s or colder. Normally if you move them inside, it will be for several days until the weather improves.

I like to set all of my plants near the garage door or on the patio deck in order to make the moving process as simple as possible. Please note that when the temperatures dip into dangerous degrees, simply covering them with a blanket or a sheet is not enough protection. Move them inside.