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The Year I Planted Too Early

I planted tomatoes in April. Then it snowed in May. Everything died. Here's what I learned about patience.

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The Year I Planted Too Early

I planted tomatoes in April. Then it snowed in May. Everything died. Here’s what I learned about patience.

What I Did

The weather was warm in April. 70°F. Sunny. I thought, “Spring is here.”

I transplanted my tomato seedlings outside. Directly into the ground.

What Happened

May 5th. Snow. 28°F.

Every tomato plant died. The leaves turned black and mushy. The stems collapsed.

What I Learned

April warmth is a trick. The last frost date exists for a reason.

What I Do Now

  1. Check the last frost date. Not the weather.
  2. Wait one extra week. Just in case.
  3. Have row covers ready.

What I’d Tell My Past Self

You’re not smarter than the last frost date. Wait.

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