Planting in late spring

The majority of annuals are frost-sensitive. In other words, a freeze can damage or kill them. Frigid temperatures also make annuals much more susceptible to disease damage. If these small plants are damaged by cold, they may never quite recover. Don’t risk it: Plant your new annuals in the ground only after all danger of frost is past. The same goes for plants you’re putting in containers (though you can bring the pots indoors on chilly nights if you have to).

Gardening fever hits us all on the first warm spring day. But warm air isn’t necessarily what you’re waiting for — warm soil is. If the ground is still semifrozen or soggy from thawing cycles or drenching spring rains, it’s better to wait another week or two. No, you don’t have to take the soil’s temperature before proceeding. Just remember the wise advice of garden author Roger Swain: Don’t put plants in a bed you yourself wouldn’t be willing to lie on!