It is hard to determine when the frost is over and it is safe to plant. Over the years of planting my own garden and helping my family with theirs, I have learned how to do some tricks of the trade.

I have two very active children that like to garden with me. So, we will start our vegetables and annual plants in the house. We do not use anything extravagant to do this. I use a flat plastic tray that has holes drilled in the bottom. We fill it with soil up to a half inch from the top. This leaves room to water. Then, we choose the seeds that we want to plant. I like to use one tray per variety. That way there is no confusion and the children can learn the plants easier.  I plant the seeds as directed on the package. Then, the children get the enjoyment of watering them and placing the tray in a sunny spot. They take great pride, as I do, watching them start to sprout and grow.

My children have learned that too much water will make the seeds rot in the soil. However, not enough water causes the seeds not to germinate. So, they have learned to stick their finger in the dirt to see how wet it is to the touch. They love it. It is called hands on training.

After a few weeks and we feel that all of the seeds that are going to germinate have done so, we start to transplant and thin them down. If it is still too cold to plant outside we will use the paper planters that you can buy at any store that has a garden section. These are biodegradable and safe for the environment. We fill them to about a half inch from the top with soil. We begin to transplant.  I have learned that if you take a pencil that has been sharpened you can separate the young plants from the others easily. This will cause less stress/damage to the plant and the other plants that are in the same area. You can also use that pencil to poke a hole in the soil to place the root in. However, the kids love to use their fingers to do this. Make sure that you water them well after you transfer them. That step is very important. Place them in a warm sunny area to continue growing. This has worked out for the children because they show other family members their success. Most of the time those family members offer to buy any extra plants that the children have. That will put a big smile on the children’s faces.  The children feel very proud of their accomplishments. Remember, the tray can be recycled.

Now, if it is warm enough for the plants to go outside when you are ready to transfer them, there are a few things to do.  Have any fertilizer or compost on the area and worked in. Make the rows, which the children will love to do with there own hoes. Work very gently. The plants at this stage are very delicate. After transplanting, water well.

If you need to protect your plants from a surprise frost there are several ways to do this.

One way is to make a plastic frame that you can put over the planted area. Note: this frame can be stored and reused from season to season. You can then prop that frame up during the day to let air in and regulate the heat. Just make sure to put in down at night without crushing the plants underneath.

A second way is to use cardboard milk cartons. Cut the bottom out of the carton so that it will slide easily over the top of the plant.  Cut a small hole in the top to help with ventilation. Now, you do not have to place a hole in the top if you are planning on using them just at night. You will have to remove them in the morning after the frost and put them back on if more frost is called for the next night. Also, these cartons can be used to keep small animals and birds from eating the young plants. But you will need the hole in the top because these will be left on until the plant is big enough to support itself. The cartons are easily cut off with scissors later.

You will not need to worry about the frost for long. Enjoy starting your garden. This is a great time of year. Everything comes back with new life. Happy Gardening.