Well, not today because I see the temp will be 39 on Saturday night. But, next week the temps should be in 70's during the day and 50's at night. If I put them outside during the day and plant them toward the end of the week then I could just cover them at night when the temps are to be below 45 or so. I bought 8 Early Girl plants at Home Depot yesterday and 8 Celebrity at WalMart this morning. They are only about 4 inches high but they are in those tiny square pots and won't be able to stay in them for too long. I also have some oregano and sweet mint which may go into large pots. I'm sure the oregano will need to be covered at night but I'm not sure about the mint. I have seeds that can be planted, beets, lettuce and carrots but it might be too early for bush beans and summer squash. I have herbs and most say sow directly outside but a few need to be started in pots and I will get that done this week as I have the pots filled with the starter soil. I can have them out during the day and bring them inside at night. I know some will have to be covered at night. I don't have the herb bed dug yet though. What with all the rainy days and days when I have to do sewing I'm not getting there very fast. Still, it's only February. dooley
Dooley, don't worry about the mint. I've had a pot outside all winter and it's doing fine. For some reason mint isn't as cold-sensitive as many other herbs. You are getting geared up for the gardening season for sure!
I am waiting a while for tomato plants but many others can be planted now. Squash, beans and such need warmth so wait on those. If you plant tomatoes now just cut the bottom out of a gal. milk jug and cover them at night. Take the lid off if you leave it over them day time so air can circulate. You will not see much growth till weather warms but you can get the roots started. Mint is hardy here and will come back in spring/summer. Parsley will come back for several years before you need to reseed,, both of these usually do not die back unless really cold weather hits. Sage is hardy as well. Herbs are essentially weeds and most will reseed themselves or overwinter from the roots below frostline. My basil comes back the following year after seeding so I only plant it every other year.
Dooley Spring for Texas is so close.I will be on my way March 10th.Can't wait to feel my Texas heat.Your tomatoes will be ok the way you are going to do them.
tomatoes Have your tomato plants been hardened off? I would get them used to being outside gradually before putting them in the ground.
Your making my mouth water at the thought of a good vine ripe tomato. Lucky you to be planting them out already.
