In the Garden
Amy Jordan, Special to The Gazette
Originally published 12:54 p.m., April 10, 2008
Updated 12:54 p.m., April 10, 2008
When days get longer and temperatures rise, many of us get in the planting mood.
While there are many flowers and vegetables that can safely be planted now, gardeners need to be mindful of potential low temperatures that can damage tender plants.
The average date of the last freeze is April 13 in the Emporia area. That means there is still a 50 percent chance of freezing temperatures. By May 2, there is only a 5 percent chance of a freeze, according to the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University.
Perennial plants, woody ornamentals and cool season vegetables are tolerant of lower temperatures and could have been planted for several weeks. Cool season vegetables include potatoes, radishes, onions, peas, salad greens, turnips, beets and cole crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Pansies are an annual flower that also tolerates low temperatures.
Plants that are more tender and do not tolerate freezing temperatures should not be planted until after the danger of frost has passed (after May 2) unless you plan to cover them to protect them from frost. Plants in containers could be taken inside from the patio or moved into the garage if a frost is predicted.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, snap beans and okra are tender, and in addition to not surviving freezing temperatures, they do not perform well in cold soil. Transplants may even be stunted if planted into cold soil. They are best saved until mid-May when soil temperatures are warmer (consistently 60 degrees or more) and the danger of frost has passed.
In terms of annual flowers, tender species include marigolds, petunias, vinca (periwinkle), geraniums, salvia, and impatiens to name a few. Unless you are willing to protect them or replant if they are killed by a freeze, hold off on planting them until later.
If you are itching to plant, consider sticking with species adapted to growing in early spring temperatures. You will be more satisfied with the plant performance and be able to plant more by double cropping. When the lettuce is done, it will be time to plant tomatoes, or when the pansies have petered out, stick in some petunias.