Is it Spring or is it Summer?

It's April 10th and we're forecasted to have temperatures in the high 80's, possibly the 90's?  I'm gearing up to make a nice big pitcher of sun tea!  We dig out the short-sleeved tops and shorts and feel completely giddy...after such a winter, who wouldn't?  And after today, a lot of things that have been lying in wait just under the surface of the soil or unbudded on branches will burst forth showing off their "summer wear" as well. 

Garden centers have somehow created a specialized magnetic force that draws gardeners of all skill levels into the depths of their aisles showing off their finery of spring bloomers, herbs, vegetables and tropicals.  (Side note:  Yes, I was sucked into that magnetic field yesterday and purchased a Knock-out rose at Wal-mart for under $9.)  After a 5 month palette of white, gray, brown, tan (and mud) we physically need our fix!

But don't be fooled.  You do know that garden centers' main goal is to make a profit?  As much as we might like to think that if the plants are in the stores/nurseries--it must be time to plant...it really isn't so.  Sure, you can plant those that enjoy the bite (frost) of spring that is sure to make a return visit:  Bellis (English Daisy), Dusty Miller, Osteospermum (Cape May Daisy), Violas, etc.   As well as lettuce, cabbage, Brussels sprout, and parsley plants. Don't forget you can directly sow seed for carrots, lettuce, peas and radishes too. 

But please don't buy (and plant) those plants that really only thrive in true warm weather conditions:  basil, peppers, tomatoes, and any kind of tropical anything (Caladium, Canna, Colocasia, etc.).  You know how those tropical types are--they never pack anything for when a cold spell hits us...and then there they sit--shivering, slumped over, looking miserable like a young fashionista caught in a cold spring rain.

Do try to restrain yourselves a bit when purchasing plants on days with temperatures like today.  The cold temps will make a few more return visits yet and if you've purchased those sensitive characters you'll either end up hauling them in and out of your house or garage on cold nights/warm days or they will sit in your soil glaring back at you when you're tucked inside the house enjoying a hot cup of tea on a blustery spring day.  When the magnetic field draws you in, just think, "Iced tea today, but hot tea tomorrow".