Expert: Paula Henson
Company: Above the Dirt Garden Shop
Phone: (502) 290-4466
Website: Above The Dirt | Louisville, KY (abovethedirtgardenshop.com)
Published: March 8th, 2024
Springtime brings with it the promise of new life and vibrant colors as nature wakes up from its winter slumber. For gardening enthusiasts, it’s the perfect time to roll up our sleeves, grab our gardening tools, and get our hands dirty. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, planning your planting schedule is crucial for a successful and bountiful garden – and what does Derby Day have to do with it?
Annuals: In Louisville, the average last frost date typically falls between late April and early May. This means you can start planting annuals outdoors after this date to avoid any late frosts that could damage tender plants. This is where Derby Day comes into play, it’s a basic guide for our last front date. If you just can’t wait until Derby here are some annuals that can handle a little frost: pansies, violas, stock, and lobularia.
Perennials: Spring is an excellent time to plant perennials, as the cool temperatures and ample rainfall help them establish strong root systems. Aim to plant perennials in early to mid-spring, around Late-March, April or May, to give them plenty of time to settle in before the summer heat arrives. Personally, if the ground is dig-able I’m planting perennials! If you’re anxious to get plants in the ground – start with your perennials!
Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables to be grown in our climate. Cool-season vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and carrots can be planted outdoors as early as March or April, while warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash should be planted after the last frost date, typically in May. Whether you start with a seed or a plant-start we highly recommend growing your own food.
Herbs: You can start planting herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme outdoors in early spring, around late-April once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed.
Fruit Trees and Bushes: Zone 6 is well-suited for a variety of fruit trees and bushes, including apples, cherries, and blueberries. Fruit trees and bushes should be planted in early spring, preferably before they break dormancy, to allow them to establish strong root systems before the heat of summer. Aim to plant fruit trees andbushes in March or April for the best results.
By understanding the specific timing for planting in Zone 6, you can make the most of your spring gardening efforts and enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the season. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to plant your way to a beautiful and productive garden!
