It’s hard to believe, especially with a nor’easter threatening Delaware this weekend, but it’s almost time to start planting your garden.
Whether you’re planting tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, egg plants or jalapeno peppers, the dates for planting will depend on the region you live in. Starting dates in Sussex County could be similar or earlier than dates in New Castle County.
Here are a few tips on when to plant your garden and when seeds can be put in the soil.
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5 signs you can start planting a garden
According to the Burpee Garden Guide, there are clues to look for before you start planting.
Last frost date: Find out when the historical last frost occurs in your community. This will tell you when it’s safe to start planting spring and summer vegetables and herbs.
Unfrozen soil: When you can crumble dry soil in your hand it’s ready to go. Avoid frozen or overly saturated soil.
Longer days: Your plants will need six to eight hours of sunlight. Make sure there is enough sunlight on your garden during the day.
Warm temperatures: Overnight temperatures that drop into the 30s and 40s hurt your plants. In a perfect situation, you want to wait until the overnight temperatures are above 60 for warm-weather vegetables and herbs.
Read the seed packet: It sounds easy enough, but it’s important. You need to make sure you follow the directions on the packets to ensure the best harvest.
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Past photos of Longwood Gardens and the transformation over the years
A walkway leads through the new parking lot at Longwood Gardens to the new Reception Center in this photo published on December 6, 1962.
Dates to start planting
If you’re looking for a date range to start planting, The Old Farmer’s Almanac can help. The Almanac put together a localized planting calendar to help guide people as to when certain vegetables and herbs should be started indoors and when you can plant outside.
According to the Almanac, for example, you should be planting your tomatoes in indoor pots now.
In Middletown, tomatoes should be planted in indoor pots between Feb. 16 and March 2. They can be transplanted or planted outside from April 28 through May 5.
In Lewes, tomatoes should be planted in indoor pots between Feb. 4 and Feb. 13. They can be transplanted or planted in the ground between April 16 and April 23.
In Claymont, tomatoes should be planted in indoor pots between Feb. 5 and Feb. 19. They can be transplanted or planted outside between April 17 and April 24.
The Almanac has information on 72 Delaware communities.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When should you start planting your garden?
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