Grand Rapids, Mich.-- Last weekend's warm weather got many people excited about planting season. But with yesterday's snow and a few more cold nights ahead, it's a little yearly to get planting.
If you are getting ready to start planting your garden, here's one tip. We're still expecting some cooler days so put down the basil and pick a more cold friendly plant. “Most perennials, cold crop vegetables, pansies and violas are great to put in right now," says Katey Romence of Romence nursery.
If you must have herbs like basil in your garden, there is something you can do to plant them now. “I do plant quite a few in pots so that I can bring them in on cold nights, but have them out during the day," says Romence, "and then I’ll move them out to the garden toward the end of May.”
If you're craving a fresh salad, you have the green light to plant lettuce varieties. Romence explains, “Lettuce is kind of a cool and warm crop, most of our lettuces you can plant now.”
But don't forget to protect them when temperature drops into the 30's and lower, by covering them with tarps or blankets.
If you want some more colorful veggies in your garden, don't get the trowel out quite yet. “Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers are three of those are probably the most commonly sold vegetables," explains Romence, "they really don’t want to get cold they’re very tender.”
Now the trouble is when to plant. Romence has a helpful tip, “My grandfather always used to say you always want to wait until the last full moon in May.” The last full moon will fall on the night of May third.
With all the gardening excitement the best thing you can do is to start working the ground. Romence recommends adding products like garden soil or veggie mix to encourage healthy growth in your garden.
