It has been unseasonably warm this week in southeast PA. I was thinking about planting berry brambles, grapes, fruit trees, and possibly asparagus as my garden area is very workable and it is 65F outside today. All recommendations for these plants are either to plant "as soon as the soil thaws" or "after last frost". Do I really need to wait until April to safely plant these cold-hardy crops? Even if I'm not gaining anything by planting early, I would like to take advantage of the nice weather to do something outside. When spring comes I will be busy planting annual vegetables.
Brian, Do you have all these plants ready to go? My potted trees are still frozen in the root zone even with this balmy day.
I've been digging at least 2ft into the ground with no issues at all. Parts of my yard are still frozen but not the sunny garden area. Nearby stores have all the crowns/bushes/whips, etc. ready for planting. I'm just hesitant to plant anything until I can confirm that all will tolerate more freezing weather. I expect it to be below freezing on and off until April.
What stores in the area are all ready to go? I don't think there would be any harm in planting now especially if you mulch well. Not speaking from experience. In my S.NJ garden I often plant in March with no issues. Thaw/spring comes later there because of proximity to the Atlantic.
Home Depot has small berry and grape canes, none of the large pots they put out in spring, though. Otts Exotic Plants usually has fruit trees year round. They had dozens when I was there last.
