Can I start planting yet?

Hi Folks,

Having got the gardening bug and started the hard landscaping I am dying to get planting. I intend to buy a lot of plants as my garden is bare at the moment but don't want to waste money. My aim is for a cottage garden so am looking at perrenials and climbers mostly. Is it ok to plant now considering how cold it has been or would it be better if I wait for it to warm up?

Many thanks for any advice.
Sam

 

I believe shrubs and the like do better when planted while they are dormant (over the winter), but soft petalled flowering plants I should leave untill after the weekend when we are going to see a warm front pass with the resulting warmer, wetter weather. Hopefully there won't be a frost! ! !

Cheers, Tony.

 

Thanks Tony, I suspected as much but am itching to get planting. Good to hear a warm spell is on the way, may chance taking my scarf off!
Sam

 

Shrubs and trees can be planted now as Tony said but I wouldn't risk other plants for another month.

SamB could you put your area underneath your avatar please, it helps us to guide you. If you are in the north or abroad etc. it will give us an idea on your weather conditions which makes a difference when planting out. Your county will do, we don't need a full address.

 

Can I plant phlox or lavender now? I'm at nearly 1000ft.

 

You are further north than me and I wouldn't plant anything out here before the end of April at least and I'm almost at sea level. I wouldn't risk it Fumanchu, it's too early.

 

Drat.

 

Hi Sam and Fumanchu. We are all champing at the bit and getting a tad grumpy . Some on here have 100's of plants steadily growing bigger and bigger indoors, in GH's and in pots under fleece in sheltered parts of the garden . All waiting, waiting ,waiting...
It's a very testing year, this one, isn't it ?
Jenny

 

Ok well can I just buy some tiny teeny wee plug plants and put them on the windowsills?? Can I can I pleeeeeeease?

 

. Definately Fumanchu. Get some today and it will lift your spirits too.
And we all love piccies of what you've got pleeeeeeese,
Jenny

 

Ok. When the parcel comes through the door and the husband starts yelling, I will tell him you made me do it. TY!

 

This is probably something we'll have to get used to, but it's definitely frustrating... regardless of how cold it feels, Im simply going to HAVE to put the tender plant in pots out when it starts raining, because they are so dry..

Obviously frost could last a while, particularly in western areas, so no chance of planting out until at least the end of April.

 

Sorry, still getting used to the forum, totally missed the rest of the posts until now!

Plug plants.... Now that's a fab idea. I guess I could keep some in the conservatory? I imagine it will save me money and give me a sense of progress

Glad to hear I'm not the only one frustrated by the weather.

I'm on the Bucks/Herts border. Will update profile as soon as I figure out how!

Thanks

 

Hi Fumanchu , I would leave it until after the middle of May before planting out on the Scottish borders . We are all having indoor plant storage problems at the moment . I have just negotiated my definately last allowable square inch of space of windowsill space with Mrs H this week

 

The frost free planting date here is 1st June - I just thought some plants were tough and could go in anytime.
On ebay I've just bought some plugs:
Snow in Summer
Lavender (Hidcote)
Meadow Cranesbill
Delivery on these is around next weekend. I've got big windows so lots of room ..