Cool Spring - what can I plant now?

[phkc070408]

It's been a cool spring here in northern DE. Night Temps have been in the 50s. I think we're supposed to warm up next week.

I have a bunch of plants in the basement that I'd like to start to harden off and get in the ground this weekend. My plants are:

Parsley
Oregano
Chives
Onions
Dill
Cilantro

Zinnias
Marigolds

Can any of these go in the ground this weekend?

See attached weather forecast.

 

[phkc070408]

Also to note, one of my two gardens, the one where I plan to plant my tomatoes and peppers, has been covered in grass clippings as mulch for a week and a half now, trying to help the soil warm up a little. I'm not too sure how effective that is.

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

All of them

 

[phkc070408]

Thanks. How about bush beans/pole beans direct sew?

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

Yep, you can do just about anything at this point. I'm going to hold off on sesame for a couple weeks and cowpeas, but i planted peanuts yesterday and my cotton and watermelons are coming up.

Worst case they sit in the ground a little longer but phaseolus have been up here a while

 

[Sluggy]

Go for it but watch where you plant the chives. Previous house owner planted them in the border next the lawn. They are now sprouting up through the lawn but at least the stems are green and I have a nice onion smell when I cut the lawn.

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

Chives aren't weedy here

 

[phkc070408]

Yep, you can do just about anything at this point.

Are Tomatoes and Peppers good now? It’s been quite cool here and the ground isn’t as warm as it normally is this time of year. I believe I’ve gotten burned in the past by planting my peppers too soon and stunting the plants. (I used to be a hard 01-May). Granted, my one raised garden has been covered with grass clippings for 2 weeks, trying to warm it up.

Forgive me, I’m just being overly cautious after my previous mistakes.

 

[Meadowlark]

Are Tomatoes and Peppers good now?

You really should go by soil temp. Invest in a soil thermometer. Pretty cheap.

For peppers, you need a soil temp > 60 deg F for transplant to grow and fruit.

For tomatoes, you need a soil temp > 65 deg F for transplants to grow and fruit.

Tomatoes can be damaged severely with air temps in low 40's to the point where you are better off starting over.

 

[phkc070408]

Ok. I’ll keep an eye on the forecast - might wait another week. And I’ll grab a thermometer. Thanks

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

My experience is tomatoes are more cold tolerant than peppers. And i think you can go ahead with them now. Waiting a week won't hurt. Peppers you're better off waiting if youre buying grown plants

The ag department does 2in soil temps for basically the whole country