Is it time to Plant?

One of the most common questions that we get this time of year is "when is the last chance of frost?"

Since weathermen seem to have a hard enough time predicting yesterday's weather let alone tomorrow's this is a tricky question to answer.

We've had years where we haven't had a frost after the 10th of April. We've also had years where there has been a frost towards the end of May. This is generally the exception to the rule. Generally the chances of a frost after the first of May is fairly low. The trees have also leafed out by this time, and this actually offers protection to the plants that are under them.

Some plants have more tolerance to frost than others. The cool season annuals such as pansies, primrose and rannunculus can handle a frost with no problems, and can actually tolerate temperatures in the low 20's. Annuals such as impatiens are less tolerant of the cold weather, and can not take any frost.

The national weather service does have a probability chart that covers the Plainfield area.

Temperature		Probability
will fall below		90%	50%	10%
	36F	22-Apr	04-May	66-May
Frost	32F	06-Apr	20-Apr	04-May
Freeze	28F	23-Mar	05-Apr	17-Apr

What this means is that there is only a 10% chance that there will be a frost on May 04th. With chances dropping every day after that.