I used to go through all kinds of contortions when I planted a rose...or anything else for that matter. All sorts of expensive composts and additives got mixed in the planting hole. Sometimes they did great and sometimes they didn't. Then I read a report put out by the University of Florida that said that plants adjust best when just planted in the native soil. I've been planting new roses and camellias and I quit ammending the planting hole. I work the soil up nicely, water them well, and lovingly plant them. I add the compost, etc. on top of the soil, as nature would. I've noticed over the years that earth worms are more than willing to bring the good stuff down to where the roots are. I'm having great results with a LOT less work. They seem to be adjusting to their new home much quicker. And it's less expensive, too. I've also switched to pine needles as mulch rather than pine bark, and have much less of a weed issue in my beds. Fortunately, bales of pine needles are harvested in my area, so the price is reasonable. Sandy

Bonnie makes a good point. Lots of issues at play. In your case, I think you can certainly plant them out. Flexibility is an important asset in planting out. Just as some springs are cold, with late frosts, there are also warm springs where the last frost occurs earlier than usual. The last frost date simply represents a 50% average. One thing you should not do is go by the calendar alone. Instead, consider temperature trends, forecasts and soil temperatures. I planted most of my tomatoes and peppers. Still waiting on eggplants,squash and okra. Do I think I've dodged frost for the season? No, but I'm prepared to use row covers if needed. Do I think I've dodged hard frosts? Yes. I still have some backups though. Nothing is guaranteed in gardening. An August frost can wipe out all warm season crops. So take advantage of any 'season extensions' you get, even in spring.

I usually start mine off in a shady spot for a couple of hours. mine are in full sun now after about a week of going in and out. I am antsy to get my tomatoes in the ground, but I have to wait. I will watch the weather til mothers day. thats may 10 this year. I've got radishes, carrots, lettuce up and yesterday set out all the cabbage, broccoli, brussels. I plan to start another batch of carrots tomorrow. They take about 3 weeks to come up. My cukes are barely coming up in their cups, no squash, cants, watermelon yet. I started peas in cups this year. When they get a couple of inches taller I will transfer to garden tubs.

Small town life sounds good to me. As does living in the country. We had a few acres when I had horses and other animals back in the 60s and 70's. Phoenix is soooo big, too much traffic, and I hate driving even if it didn't cause my leg to go on the warpath. I was born in a small town, in Ala. I don't really going places alone either, and won't go out at night except to family gatherings at one of my kids. I'm waiting the arrival of my toile plates I just bought. Tho heaven knows what I can find to do with them, but will try just because of all the support I've gotten here. Any table settings I do will be just for ONE, maybe two if you're lucky. LOL. I'm going to be a one-trick pony, sorry about that. I just can't do full tables for many reasons. I've been 'planning' my Christmas decor. Really planning this year. Thought it might take some of the load off me being so over-whelmed with it when I go to unpacking a zillion things in the middle of the floor while telling two cats NOT to help me. A zillion times! One sleepless night I started plotting different places to put things this year. I want my newly begun collection of Nutcrackers (started last year) pretty much together. But I think the purple one should go with the Santa. And I have two golf Santas and two golf Nutcrackers that should stay together. Last year they were with my two other special Nutcrackers, a policeman and a fireman. These have a lot of meaning! I'm going to put my Village in the antique china cabinet in my entry hall this time I think, instead of Painted Pony Cabinet in familyroom. Tho I still have to move over a 100 statues from BOTH. I was thinking of putting Xmas horses and reindeer in the pony cabinet. I have quite a few of both now. Anyway, its fun to mentally decorate. It also doesn't wear me out or hurt my body. LOL. I think I'll start my Village next week in fact. First I have to make room for all those dog statues to safely go on closet shelves for the next two months! Ugh. hugs, Karen