When can I plant a garden outside using plants?

by Cheryl
(Spencer , MA.)

I live in Massachusetts and am wondering is it too early to plant an outside vegetable garden using plants, not seeds? (Today is April 21st.)

Not sure when the last frost will be. When is it safe to plant outside?

Thanks!


ANSWER:

Hi Cheryl,

It is too early to plant the warm-season vegetable plants such as tomatoes, beans, peppers, corn, melons, eggplant, pumpkins, and cucumbers outdoors in most parts of Massachusetts.

Most gardeners in your area plant their warm-season vegetable crops around Memorial Day which is at the end of May. These vegetables can be purchased at your local garden centers as small plants when it is closer to the planting time.

You can plant cool-season crops such as peas, onions, carrots, spinach, beets, and lettuce as soon as the ground is ready to work in the spring. Usually this is about mid-April. These vegetables are usually grown from seeds ("sets" for onions) planted directly in the garden soil.

Hope this helps...Have a great garden!