Who's excited to plant their tomatoes?  I know I am, but I also know that it is too early for our warm season veggies.  For Marion, NC, our average last spring freeze date is April 13.  Data has been collected from 1896 to 2019.  That's alot of data!

For Marion, it is safe to plant our warm season vegetables at Mother's Day.  I usually plant the first Saturday in May, and in a few rare cases, we still may get some cold spells.  Remember, back in 2020, I had to cover my plants because of a cold spell after the first Saturday in May..  Also, remember that most of our warm season vegetables thrive with warm soil temperatures.  If you plant and the soil temperatures are cool, the plants will be slow to grow until the soil temperatures rise.

NC State Extension has great vegetable gardening resources.  Please use them in planning your garden.  Gardening is fun and relaxing, and a good way to take a screen break.  Please call the Extension office, 828-652-8104 or email Molly if you have any gardening questions.

The Master Gardeners of McDowell County will be hosting their 2nd Annual Spring Fling Plant Sale on Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historic Marion Tailgate Market, West Henderson Street, Marion.  There will be heirloom and hybrid tomato and pepper transplants along with a variety of other plants.

Here's hoping, before long, we will all have an abundance of fresh produce!