Frost Free? You decide…
According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration the estimated last day of freeze for Metro Louisville is April 1st – 15th; however, because we are in a “warm pocket” surrounded by “cooler counties” this puts us at higher risk for a drop in temperature later than estimated.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Some plants can be damaged or even killed by frost or freeze, so it is important to use this information as a guide for scheduling your spring plantings and gardening activities. Cold-sensitive annuals, warm-season vegetables, and tropical plants, including houseplants that are taken outside, will need to be protected from the potentially damaging frost or freezes we might see in the coming weeks. Plants with high frost/freeze sensitivity include basil, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potato vine, annual vinca, impatiens, and other plants fresh from the greenhouse that have not had a chance to harden off.
BUT WAIT, THAT’S NOT ALL
In addition to air temperature, the soil temperature is also an important factor in the germination, establishment, and production of many warm-season annual flowers and vegetable crops, especially tomatoes and peppers. This is why, even if we don’t have a frost or freeze in late April or early May, you still need to wait to plant. While the air temperature warms up quickly the soil warms up slowly. Planting some crops too early before the soil temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can cause stunting and reduced production even if the air temperature is warm and the growing season is picture-perfect.
WHAT CAN YOU PLANT NOW?
March and April is a great time to plant things that are NOT sensitive to potential cold snaps or soil temperatures. This includes hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as early spring crops like pansies, lettuces, kale, and more. Fresh deliveries of plants and gardening supplies are arriving daily, so stop in soon to check out what’s new.
Have more questions? Send us an email or give us a call because our team is experienced and ready to help. You can also click here to read the full NOAA article about the time of year, on average, that areas across the nation can expect to see their temperatures dip to 32°F or below for the last time.
Spring Arrivals
Houseplants
fresh deliveries arriving twice weekly
Spring Annuals
including pansies, alyssum, primrose, ranunculus, and more
fresh deliveries arriving twice weekly
Summer Annuals & Tropicals
including begonias, impatiens, lantana, petunias, and much much more
first shipment will arrive mid-April
Spring Edible Crops
including lettuces, kale, chard, collard greens, cabbage, herbs, and more
fresh deliveries arriving weekly
Summer Edible Crops
including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, okra, basil, parsley, and much, much more
first shipment will arrive mid-April
Trees & Shrubs
new deliveries arriving up to four times a week
Perennials & Ground Covers
new deliveries arriving twice weekly, usually Thursdays and Fridays
Fruit Trees & Shrubs
new deliveries arriving weekly
Bonsai Trees
arriving in early April
Water Plants
first shipment will arrive in early May
Seed Potatoes, Onion Sets, Asparagus Crowns, and Flower, Herb, and Vegetables Seeds
2025 inventory is here
Gardening Tools & Supplies
2025 inventory is here
Pots, Statuary, Fountains, and Garden Decor
2025 inventory is here