No matter how anxious the gardener is to get back out in the garden, avoiding premature seeding and transplanting is essential. Planting depths and critical temperatures are important for proper seed germination, root development and overall plant health. The best way to determine individual plant needs is to pay attention to the information on seed packets and plant labels. With this valuable knowledge, the gardener can determine appropriate methods and planting times for respective plant hardiness zones. (More information about these zones can be found under Choosing seed & seedlings).

Putting plants in the garden too early also invites frost damage.