Where I live, we typically go through a few "false springs" in winter before it's actually spring. (And honestly, spring is so short here that it seems like we go from spring to summer in the same month.)

Recently we hit 60°F! But our overnight lows have been below freezing, which is totally confusing (to us and our gardens)... and a good reminder that we're still months away from planting season.

Or are we?

If you used my frost date lookup tool to find your average last frost date and realized you still have a ways to go before you can plant, the good news is...

You might not have to wait at all.

As long as the soil is thawed out and crumbly (not heavy and muddy), your seedlings and other store-bought starts can be planted outside in the cold—and even be more resilient as a result.

There's just one thing you have to remember if you want to transplant seedlings before the last frost. (And no, it doesn't involve covering your plants.)

(It's even better if snow is in the forecast after you transplant! And I explain why in that post.)

Seasonal Tips

43 Seeds You Can Direct Sow in the Garden BEFORE the Last Frost Read more

Look Up Your Growing Zone and State Map of USDA Hardiness Zones Read more

The Ideal Soil Mix for a Raised Bed Read more

How to Plant Bare-Root Perennials in Pots Read more

How to Grow Hardy Hibiscus—Even in Cold Climates Read more

All the Jungle Feels: Grow Your Own Banana Plant (Indoors or Outdoors!) Read more

So what will you be planting early this season? I'm preordering a few perennials that I'm planning to put in the ground in a few weeks.

We'll still have freezing nights, but the soil will be thawed and hopefully we'll get a bit more snow! (And that's exactly what you want if you plant before the last frost.)

​Nature Hills is running weekly specials on new arrivals through spring and I found several plants that are Buy One Get One 50% off, so this is an ideal time to start shopping if you want to fill in your landscape.

Here's what's on my list so far:

• ​Pink Drift Groundcover Rose - A beautiful and versatile ground cover! Low-growing, blooms from spring through the first frost, hardy to zone 4 AND zone 11! (It also comes in this coral color.)
• ​Cherry Choco Latte Hardy Hibiscus - Dinner plate-sized tropical flowers are possible in cooler climates! Hardy hibiscus is hardy to zone 4 and looks just like what you'd find in Hawaii. (I also love this darker Midnight Marvel cultivar.)
• ​Very Fine Wine Wiegela - A gorgeous, abundantly blooming, burgundy-leaved shrub that pollinators love.
• ​Wiggles & Squiggles Hosta - A compact hosta with wavy-edged, golden yellow leaves.
• ​Pink Lemonade Blueberry Bush - I used to have a pink blueberry bush in my California garden and want to grow it again in Oregon.

P.S. You don't have to wait until all risk of frost has passed before you transplant. Here's how you can get a head start on the season—without using a cover.​