May weather is unpredictable. While a number of annuals and vegetables shrug off late frosts, hot season plants can't. They freeze and die.
Until night temperatures hold reliably at 50 degrees or higher, it's best to move them in and out of the house every day. They can become accustomed to the sun but stay safe indoors at night. Even if they don't freeze, cool temperatures will often stunt the growth of tender plants. No amount of fertilizer can make up for that.
Hot weather plants that should not be planted yet include tomatoes, peppers, the squash family, eggplant, impatiens, geraniums, salvias, basil, sweet potato vines, begonias, zinnias and marigolds. These are tropical and subtropical plants with no tolerance for cool nights.
While you shuttle plants in and out, take time to enjoy the garden's surprises as they appear. Plant crown imperial bulbs in the fall to enjoy their spectacular bells next year. The variegated variety is especially striking. Plant a viburnum. These shrubs produce heavily scented flowers with a spicy clove scent. They require no maintenance at all.
For something rare but easy to grow, order seeds of "Molly the Witch" peony. This beautiful species of peony, properly called Paeonia mlokosiewicz, has a dauntingly unpronounceable species name. It was named for the Polish botanist who discovered it. Since it's difficult, almost everyone just calls this yellow peony "Molly the Witch." Search on line for seeds. They are easy to sow in the garden. The plant is long-lived and maintenance-free.
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