The weather is finally starting to warm up, and that means it's time to start thinking about planting your garden.

We get it, the urge to get outside and get your hands dirty can be overwhelming, leading to the unfortunate event of planting seeds too early. Which if you live in any of the North Eastern states, you probably did exactly that. 

Now you’re stuck having to replant certain seeds! We’re here to let you know how you can avoid this for next time and know when it’s time to plant your seeds outside. 

The first thing you need to consider when planning to plant your seeds outside is obviously your climate.  

Depending on where you live, you may need to wait longer before planting than someone in a warmer climate. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the last frost date has passed before planting outside.

To find out when the last frost date is in your area, you can search online or ask a local feed store (like us!). 

Another thing to consider is the soil temperature.

Even if the air temperature is warm enough for your plants, if the soil temperature is too low, your seeds won't germinate. This can be a huge deal breaker when getting your seeds to grow and flourish. 

Most seeds need a soil temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate, so make sure to use a soil thermometer to test your soil before planting. 

If the temperature is too low, you can warm up the soil by covering it with plastic or using a garden cloche. This is also a good idea if you plan to plant before the last frost to avoid freezing. 

It's also important to consider the type of seeds you're planting.

Some seeds, like lettuce and spinach, can be planted earlier in the season than others, like tomatoes and peppers. 

Make sure to read the instructions on your seed packet to know when the best time is to plant. You don't want to plant too early and have your seeds fail to germinate or require special treatment such as cold stratification.

If you're someone who planted too early this year and your seeds didn't make it, don't worry. It happens to the best of us! 

Make sure to take notes on when you planted and how the weather was, so you can adjust for next year. You can also try starting your seeds indoors to give them a head start, and then transplant them outside when the weather is more favorable.

Planting seeds in May can be an exciting time for any farmer or gardener, but it's essential to know when it's the right time to plant.

Make sure to consider your climate, soil temperature, and seed type before planting outside. Are you still needing seed packets or are needing to replace the ones that you planted too early? We got you!

Get 25% off seed packets starting May 1st. Stop into Martin’s Feed Mill. While supplies last. Happy planting!