Re: [CH] transplanting time experts

Mike Stallcup (Michael.Stallcup@nasa.gov)
Wed, 4 Jun 2003 12:38:10 -0500

>since the subject is up, I was wondering if anyone closeby new when they
>expect to plant. I'm in zone 5, hull, quebec, canada. Thanks.....

Hi C-H'ers,

I can't help much since I'm in USDA  zone 7a, North Alabama 
(http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html?).  The planting rule 
I use is that my plants never go into the ground earlier than "Tax 
Day", April 15 - this year it was April 17.  Don't get in a hurry. 
As somebody on the list once said, "If you plant your tomatoes and 
peppers when it's wet and cold they'll just sit there and sulk."

This page (http://www.climatesource.com/map_gallery.html) has several 
climate maps, one of which is "Mean date of last Spring freeze."  The 
top of the page covers the US but if you scroll down you will find a 
few maps for W. Canada, Taiwan, Mongolia, etc.  Unfortunately, they 
don't have "last freeze" maps for these areas.  If you dig deeper at 
this web site they may have what you are looking for, or you can 
search the Web for "last freeze."

I have flowers on my anaheims, serranos, tabascos, jalapenos, and 
various bell peppers.  The habaneros still think its winter but 
they're starting to put on some more leaves.  Luckily, I still have 
chiles in the freezer and a good supply of hickory-smoked chile 
powders from last fall.

Before you get too envious, remember I live in the land of 95 
degree/90% humidity summer days.  Even though I use a soaker hose to 
water the garden (no water on the leaves) I still get mildew forming 
on my zucchini and cucumber leaves because of the high humidity and 
hot nights.  Thank goodness for central air conditioning!

-- 
Mike  (C-H #36, hab seed intact)
Carpe Capsicum!
(My words, not NASA's)