The optimal time to grow container plants is in the fall; they will have some time to settle in and become established before the spring comes and their roots start to grow. However, if the plants you want are only available in the spring, plant at that time—and be sure towater and mulch well.
As soon as the minimum temperature for the plants is reached permanently, they can be moved out of their winter quarter. Mediterranean plants with sturdy leafs such as olive, laurel and oleander can already be put outside in the beginning of April if no permanent frosts are expected any more.
When should I plant flower pots? It depends on your growing season and your last frost. Most annuals we use for containers need to be planted after danger of overnight frosts has passed. Check your last frost date and plan to buy your plants and get them planted in the few weeks after that.
Most houseplants are tropicals and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night. For many plants, temperatures below 50°F can cause problems.
Renew houseplants with a summer outdoors
Put your plants out only after night temperatures remain above 60°F (usually mid-May or early June). Acclimate plants to increased light by placing them in a shady area outdoors. Slowly introduce indoor plants that like sun into a sunnier location over a period of two weeks.
The best month to plant flowers in spring is really down to the USDA hardiness zone you live in and the likely last frost date. This is likely to be from around March, but if you live in a northern zone, be sure to plant frost-tolerant perennials until you are happy that the risk to more tender flowers has passed.
April is a great time to plant many types of flowers. Some of the best choices include pansies, petunias, snapdragons, and lilies. Pansies are ideal for cooler climates as they can tolerate light frost and bloom in bright colors like yellow, purple, or white.
Most plants prefer a temperature of no less than 60° F, though many can tolerate as low as 40° F. Along with this, while the improper temperature can certainly be an issue, fluctuations in temperature are the true killer.
I did some research and found out that houseplants need to be taken indoors before overnight temperatures dip below 45 degrees. Most tropical plants suffer harm from temperatures below 40 degrees.
With that in mind, experts generally recommend flowers and other houseplants be brought inside or otherwise protected before the thermometer dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. For warmer-weather and tropical plants, that threshold is a bit higher, at around the 50-degree mark.
Pots absorb heat, which can stress plant roots, and the soil in them dries out much faster than soil in the ground. Container plants generally need to be watered daily. During really hot weather, you may need to even water twice a day, especially smaller containers.
Usually, it's recommended to plant your flowers directly in the ground. That's what gives the plant the most freedom to grow and search for nutrients. But in some cases, it's best to consider the pot in pot concept for planting your plants in the ground without removing the pot you purchased them in.
In general, wait until the temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to plant tender vegetables like corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, okra, summer squash and beans. Use a soil thermometer to make sure the soil is warm enough to plant.
You'll be able to tell when your garden is suffering after a cold snap. Leaves will curl, drop, or change color — usually from a green to a white, yellow, black, or brown.
According to the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont, it's time to bring houseplants inside when temperatures drop below 50.
When Should You Cover Plants? Cover your plants at night and remove them during the day when the temperatures rise above 32 degrees F, so that the soil can warm up again. Some outdoor plants won't survive the harsh conditions of winter, bring them inside and use these tips for caring for them through winter.
Semi-hardy cool-season crops (beets, carrots, Swiss chard, lettuce, cauliflower, potatoes, parsley) grow in minimum daytime temperatures of 40 degrees and higher. They cannot withstand hard frost without some kind of covering or protection.
It's important to pay attention to the temperature dropping when the sun goes down. Once temperatures are consistently between 60 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it's a good idea to start bringing your plants inside at night. However, you can keep them out during the daylight hours if the temperature stays above 45 degrees.
Temperatures below 32 degrees can freeze the leaf tissue of cold-wimpy plants and turn them to mush after just a few hours. Some of the most tender annuals and veggies might not die but suffer cold-induced setbacks even when overnight lows dip below 40.
March may be a good time to plant perennials, depending on when your last frost date is. You can safely plant frost-tolerant perennials 2-3 weeks before your last spring frost. Growing spring-blooming perennials is a great way to add a splash of color and beauty to your garden.
Some of the best flowers to plant in May can be grown directly from seed, including poppies, lantana, and sunflowers. Other choices do best when purchased as established plants, such as marigolds or hibiscus plants. However, some flowers planted during this month come back year after year, such as lavender and catmint.
Gardening in the fall provides a longer period with more 'good' days, as compared to the often tumultuous spring season. Plus, if you plant in fall you'll end up ahead of the game and won't have to rush to get everything done after winter. In fact, a good strategy is to plant perennials when you plant your fall bulbs.
Starting too soon can result in a weak, lanky plant, while starting too late can give you one that is just not ready for the outside world—both will struggle to survive! Here's what you should take into consideration before planting.
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.