Every year it happens. After snow, sleet and frigid weather, March delivers beautiful, warm sunny days, which get even nicer in April. Time to get stuff in the ground, right?
Then, every year – just when you think winter has moved along – it happens again. A cold snap. Like this week when the evening temps plunged to the low 30s.
But this year, I am showing a rare trait for me – patience. Instead of planting my spring garden (lettuce, onions, potatoes, etc.) in early March, I waited until the 3rd week of March, and everything is looking good. I am now chomping at the bit to get tomatoes, squash, and beans in the dirt, but I will wait, and wait, and wait some more.
According to those who know, the last frost in Central Virginia is often between April 15 and 25th. Planting in late April is okay, but early May is even better. Even when it doesn’t frost, tomato vines just sit there and sulk until both the air temperature and especially the soil temperature warms a bit. For best results, soil temperatures should reach at least 60 degrees, and nighttime temperatures should stay consistently above 50. Just to be sure, I ordered a soil temperature thermometer and when it reads 60, only then will the tomatoes be planted.
The only problem with waiting to plant tomatoes is that often, other gardeners beat you to the punch and by the time things warm up, many of the best plants and varieties are gone. Again, I have a plan. I will buy my plants in the next week or so and keep them on a table in a sunny room.
Patience, Jim, patience.
