Time to Start Gardening at Pemberton Farms.

Yes it's time...  So, What can you safely plant right now?   Well, if you visit your local garden center and they have plants outside then they are probably safe to plant now.  If so see plants you want for your garden and they are kept in a greenhouse then it’s probably still too early to safely plant outside, and in case you're wondering,  No, you can't plant your tomatoes outside yet, wait until mid May or at least when you are sure that temps will not go below 45 at night.  

Before you get to far into buy ing this years plants remember spend a little time, money and effort and amend your soil before and when planting.  I remember what someone taught me years ago about gardening.  "Put a $10.00 plant in a $20.00 hole", meaning, spend some time and get the soil ready to receive plants.  It is really important to give your plant a good start and at Pemberton Farms you can find some great soil amendments like Fafard's Complete Planting Mix, Garden Compost or the Coast of Maine's Organic Lobster Compost. 

All Trees, shrubs, roses, fruits and perennials can go in the ground now!  My advice, if you see a perennial that you want, buy it!  It may not be there the next time you go looking for it.

As for Annuals.  Revert to the best rule of thumb.  If it's available and outside, it can go in the ground.  If not, WAIT!  Impatiens, marigolds, basil, geraniums and other tender plants will be ready to go out in a few weeks.  If you buy them now, be careful and watch the temperatures at night!  For your veggie garden, now is a perfect time to plant lettuce, broccoli, collards, parsley, herb and other cold crop edibles.  The rest will be available in a few more weeks.  Promise!

So there you have it...  Let's start planting, BUT remember, watch the weather forecast.  If it's going to dip below 40 you may want to protect some of you tender plants.

Happy Planting...


Mark Saidnawey
Pemberton Garden Services
Follow me on Twitter @MarksGardening