Summer bedding

[roslyn251254]

The weather seems to be picking up for the weekend - is it too early for summer bedding to be started off outdoors in tubs and baskets or would it be better to wait a few weeks? (The plug plants have been fetched on indoors but have been outdoors for a few weeks now weather permitting)

[Tizzi247]

I took a chance and have had my plug plants out since Easter, and put my sweet pea seedlings out a week later. I have geraniums, petunias and lobelia. They are all doing fine (I live in the North West where it's a bit colder). Good luck!

[lazy daisy]

I live in the Midlands and I wouldn't risk planting them out yet. I always wait until the beginning of June
But i do make up my tubs and baskets once i've got the plug plants but i keep them indoors during April but once May has arrived i start to put them out during the day when the weather isn't tto bad. This way it's meant to help harden the plants off.

But having said all that, if there is no frost forcast, i cant see what harm it can do to leave them out in the garden/
Maybe i just like to play safe.
Hope this helps.

[growlybear]

When I had a garden, I'd buy agricultural fleece and throw that loosely over the young plants. Keeps them warm enough and they have space to grow on. Most importantly saved me always worrying about the weather.

You could always throw fleece over the planted out tubs and around the baskets.

Best wishes.

[roslyn251254]

Thanks all of you for your replies - I've planted out several tubs but no baskets as yet - think I'll leave the tubs outside unless frost or very heavy rain is forecast, then I'll put them in the garage.
Happy gardening all of you!