Frost-sensitive starts
Warm-season favorites need soil above 60°F and all threat of frost past before planting outdoors.
Wait until the expected date of your area’s last killing frost has passed, and keep an eye on overnight lows for at least a week after planting. These crops suffer chilling injury below 50°F and won’t recover if planted too early. Starting seeds indoors 6–8 weeks ahead gives you healthy transplants ready for quick establishment once conditions are right.
Check local soil temperature with a simple probe thermometer two inches deep in the sunniest part of your garden. Tomatoes and peppers won’t bloom well unless soil stays consistently above 60°F at root level; squash tolerates slightly cooler but still needs warmth to sprout fast and resist damping off. Mulch with black plastic a week before transplanting to warm the ground faster.
Transplant on a calm, cloudy afternoon to reduce transplant shock. Water in thoroughly but avoid overwatering, especially in cool soil where roots can’t keep up. Do not fertilize at planting—wait until new growth appears or the first flower sets. A light row cover can extend your safe planting window by a few degrees of frost protection.
