Ohio Gardeners Warned: Planting Too Early Could Ruin Your Spring Flowers
As temperatures rise across Ohio, many eager gardeners are itching to get their hands dirty and start planting. But landscaping experts are urging caution—jumping the gun on spring flowers could lead to costly mistakes.
Kathleen Dangelo, owner of Ohio Valley Group, a local landscaping company, understands the temptation. Like many, she gets spring fever when the weather turns warm. But she warns that planting too soon could mean losing delicate flowers to unexpected overnight frosts.
Why Waiting Pays Off
While Ohio’s recent warm spell might make it seem like the perfect time to plant, Dangelo advises holding off until after Memorial Day for the safest results.
“By Memorial Day, you’re almost guaranteed no more frost,” she said. “But I’ll admit—I sometimes cheat and plant around Derby Day or Mother’s Day. If you do that, though, you’ll need to be ready to cover your plants if temperatures drop.”
Frost can kill young annuals, forcing gardeners to either replant or spend nights shielding their flowers with blankets or newspaper. For those who can’t resist an early start, Dangelo suggests pansies—one of the hardiest early-season flowers.
How to Protect Your Plants
If you’ve already planted and a frost warning hits, don’t panic. Dangelo says spraying plants with water first thing in the morning can help minimize damage by insulating them. Covering them overnight is still the best defense.
For gardeners eager to get outside, there’s plenty to do before the planting season fully arrives. Raking, weeding, and clearing debris are all safe ways to prep your yard.
Regional Differences Matter
Ohio’s climate varies, with southern regions often warming up faster than the north. Dangelo notes that some annuals may survive if planted a couple of weeks earlier in these areas—but caution is still key.
Patience Saves Time and Money
While the urge to plant is strong, experts agree that waiting just a few more weeks can make all the difference. A little patience now means healthier flowers—and less wasted effort—later.
— Reported by Nexio News
