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.

Garden Game Changing Freeze Frost Protection

Several weeks ago, I was at the Independent Garden Center show in Chicago. This is the show for independent garden center owners (attendance this year was over 6000) to see products that are new and exciting. Myself and several other Garden Center owners were on the panel to select the best new product being shown at the show.

We selected liquid fence's new product FreezePruf™ as the best product at the show. It truly is a transformational product that will change the way that people will garden. Developed by botanists, FreezePruf™ helps a plant survive hard frost and sudden freeze, extending the growing season by at least one month for growers and gardeners.Using Freezepruf is almost like moving your temperature zone 200 miles south. It improves a plants' natural cold tolerance up to 9.4F, depending on the variety of plant.

Freezepruf™ protects the plant externally and systemically (throughout the plant) by enhancing both its natrual "anti-freeze" like properties and its ability to survive ice crystal damage. The formula is biodegradable buy designed to resist washing away by rain or snow. One application will last upto six weeks.

If you've ever had flowers knocked down by an early frost, or wanted to get a head start on your garden in early Spring. This is one of the must have products of the year.
I made sure at the show that we would be one of the first garden centers to have it available. It is now in stock!