I just bought some lovely herb plants today. I got yarrow, catnip, sage, mint, and lemon balm. Our last frost date is May 15. The man I bought them from said to take my chances and set them outside and cover them when necessary. But the ground is still so cold. I planted my green beens May 1 last year and most of my seeds rotted. Would you follow this man's advice or would you keep them inside under grow lights for a while? I think they would be fine inside if I fertilize and keep the light right. I'm thinking about 18 inches from the tops would be good. What do you think? Thanks!

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

Answers

Denise, I would put the lights much closer to the tops of the plants. We have always used flourescent shop lights to start plants and situated them several inches above the trays. This year I scrounged an old flourescent fixture that surrounded the plants on three sides. We kept them about 1 inch from the top of the plants and the difference was amazing. No more legginess, the colors were great. So I sould say, the closer the better as long as things don't get too hot. good luck jz

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

Denise,

How exciting , you have acquired some wonderful herb friends! Yarrow, catnip, sage and mint, are all very hardy plants. My last predicted frost date is the same as yours. Now I would plant them out any time now, as they will be happier out in the rain. But, you gotta do it at the right time, don't plant them if frost is predicted soon, don't plant them right before the full moon. (because we are more likely to get frost then). Don't plant them out, when the next day is gonna jump up to 80, with full sunshine, Plant them out on a nice misty, cloudy april shower day. And you should harden them off before you plant them out, expose them to the outdoor , wind, a little sun, a little cold, for a few days, a little at a time. Wind can be hard on plants from the greenhouse, they need a little time so's they can say," Hey, this is something new that I have to deal with, I better toughen up my arms a bit". Denise,pretend that you are that little plant, don't shock it with too much of anything, take it slow . Now, everybody has their own ways, but I know if I was a little plant, I would want to be out there, soaking up the showers and glowing in the sunshine, plus, it's cheaper , and less bother then grow lights, Now my husband would probably put them under the grow lights, and your plants will do just fine, either way. Now if you do plant them out and they have had a few days out there, and then a frost warning comes along, go out there and gather up the leaves, the hay, any kind of mulch, and push it up and cover up the little head of your plants, and tuck them in for a cozy night sleep, the next morning, when the threat has passed, gently pull back the leaves with your fingertips, Now this is just like baby chicks, I love seeing them with their mother as she takes such good care of them, it's less trouble for me, and I feel like they are getting something that only mom can give them, but the kids get such a kick out of raising, and cuddling baby chicks that sometimes I let them bring them in under the light to take care of them. Maybe you would enjoy growing your plants under the lights , to be closer to them and get to know them better. So Denise, you enjoy it either way, and have fun. love Tren

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2001