Hello!

This may seem like a stupid question, but I was out at plant nurseries applying for jobs and one nursery in particular said something very interesting. They said that because Idaho is having a lot of warm temperatures this time of year, (look at the picture for specifics,) the ground is not frozen and North Idahos last frost is coming early. They said that you can direct sow spinach, carrots, and a few others in the ground right now, and that you can plant acorn squash in the ground in one month, (the end of March.) I just wanted other peoples opinions to see if this is true or not. If it turns out to be the same frost date, which is Mothers Day, I can wait.

Thanks!

Jared

First of all frost dates are just an average, meaning sometimes they come earlier, sometimes later. While the unseasonably warm weather would seem to indicate an early end to frost, it is no guarantee. So how much risk would you be taking if you plant early? Would you be able to replant in the case of a normal or late frost, or is this a one shot deal. If you can afford to take the risk then go for it. But if you are only able to make one attempt then you might want play it safe.

Exactly what Jay said.

Hello!

I was asking also because I was in my front yard and I noticed my moms tulips were coming up! Interesting!

Jared

Don't base weather predictions on what the tulips are doing. They can be fooled too.

Hello!

Thanks for the advice, I just got a little confused with the weather being warm.

Jared

For what it's worth, Jared, I'm in your same general area. I've been here for 16 years now and the last couple of years have been much warmer than when we first moved here and I've been able to plant out much earlier. And that's not to disagree with what others have said. Heh, I still remember that year when it was so nice and warm in May and I moved everything out of my greenhouse onto outside racks. The very next day, we had a torrential hail storm. I got drenched and beaten to a pulp trying to cover my poor little plants! But if you're starting from seed, it's probably safe to try some of the cold weather crops like spinach and others that won't necessarily be damaged by frost. Or hail. Or snow. Gardening is as close to gambling as I get.