People are always asking when tender plants should go outside.

The answer is: It depends.

It depends on where you are, what the weather has been like and how much risk you are willing to take.

Growing up in Farmington, the rule was that annuals such as geraniums went outside on the traditional Memorial Day, May 30. I have since moved south, to a place that is at least a full zone warmer, and now put things outside at least a week earlier.

But if you are willing to gamble, you could put plants out now. All you would lose if there happens to be a frost would be a few geraniums, maybe some tomato and pepper seedlings. They could be replaced.

Nancy and I put a lot of our houseplants outside during the summer. And we have a giant bird of paradise, with one bud opening up, right by the patio door ready to go outside. That is a plant we are not willing to risk. That will stay inside until Memorial Day weekend.

Some people say it is safe to plant after the first full moon after Mother's Day, which this year is May 19. I think frosts have nothing to do with the full moon. Late frosts are more likely occur when the sky is clear, and that is when people are likely to notice a full moon. And probably there were frosts a few times, which is how the old tradition of full moons and frosts started. I believe none of it.

But just watch. We'll probably have a frost on Monday.

E-mail this entry to a friend