Marvin Pritts

Professor

Marvin Pritts is an expert in horticulture with particular interests in berry crops and sustainable production practices. He says some plants can go into the ground as soon as next month.

Pritts says:

“Unlike some springs of the past few years, this one has been consistently cool with just a few warm days mixed in. While not good for outdoor enthusiasts, it has been close to perfect for perennial plants that overwinter above ground. The winter has not been too cold so that flower buds are damaged and, at the same time, temperatures have not fluctuated to the point where plants flower prematurely and are then damaged by a later frost. If temperatures stay cool through April, ornamental trees and shrubs should be spectacular this year and fruit crops abundant.

“The average date of last spring frost is May 20th in central NY. Certain annual vegetable plants should not be planted outdoors until after that date because they are sensitive to frost. A rule-of-thumb is that annual vegetable plants that produce a fruiting structure are sensitive to cold whereas those vegetables that produce edible leaves, roots, and stems are less sensitive and can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked.

“Fruit crops such as apple trees, grapevines, blueberries and strawberry plants usually are purchased when they are still dormant so they can be planted outside in April. Same is true for woody ornamentals - they do better when planted early in spring rather than waiting for them to leaf out.

“So, even though it is still cool outside, it is time to begin planting frost-sensitive vegetable seeds indoors for outdoor planting later in May and getting the garden ready for peas and onions in the next few weeks. Dormant perennial fruits can be planted now. This is shaping up to be a promising year for gardeners.”