If you’ve been standing in your garden wondering, Is it too early or too late to plant?, you are not alone.

Right now, we are in a true transitional planting period across Zones 6 through 9. And depending on where you live, your timing may look a little different.

If you are down here in the South with me, your garden is likely warming up nicely and you can start planting more freely. But if you are further north and still getting those cooler nights, you may need to hold off just a little longer.

Let’s walk through exactly what you should be planting right now, what to hold off on, and how to make the most of this in-between season.

Your APril Spring Planting Guide for Zones 6–9

If you are located in the warmer parts of the South (Zones 7b-9), your window is opening up RIGHT NOW!

All these beautiful plants have arrived in your local garden centers, and it’s time to start taking them home and getting them in the ground.

A few of my favorites:

These are my Home Depot favorites:
Kimberly Queen and Boston Ferns
Hydrangea
Big Begonias
Rio Dipledinia
Calibrachoa
Petunias (perfect for spilling over pots)
Calla Lilies
Zinnias
Marigolds
Angelonia
Pentas
Sunpatiens
Mona Lavender Plectranthus
Vinca (in warmer Zone 8–9 areas especially)
Creeping Jenny and other groundcovers
And you have the green light to plant vegetables and herbs so get those tomatoes in the ground!
**And of Course…**
A few bags of my favorite potting soil (because nothing grows well without it)

TAP TO WATCH LIVE FROM HOME DEPOT

SHOP MY FAVORITE GARDEN SOIL & MORE

What You Can Plant Right Now in Cooler ZONES

If you’re further north in zones 6-7a— In early to mid-spring, your garden is shifting from cool-season growth into warm-season production.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

Soil temperatures are still warming up
Nighttime temperatures may still dip below ideal levels
Plants that love heat are slow to establish in cool soil

For most warm-season plants to thrive, soil temperatures need to consistently reach 65 to 70°F, and nighttime temperatures should stay above 55°F.

Planting too early can lead to:

Stunted growth
Yellowing leaves
Increased disease vulnerability

Even though it feels like a waiting game, there is still plenty you can plant right now.

1. Heat-Tolerant Annuals (Start in Protected Areas)

You can begin easing into warm-season color by planting:

Zinnias
Marigolds
Angelonia
Pentas

Tip:
Plant these in sheltered spots like near brick walls, patios, or areas that receive reflected heat. This gives them a head start without exposing them to sudden cold snaps.

2. Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees (Prime Planting Time)

This is actually one of the best times of year to plant long-term landscape plants.

Flowering perennials
Ornamental grasses
Shrubs and hedges
Trees

Why now works so well:

Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant stress
Soil moisture is usually more consistent
Roots have time to establish before summer heat arrives

This is where you can really invest in your garden’s future.

3. Hardy Herbs and Transitional Edibles

If you’re eager to grow something edible, stick with herbs and crops that tolerate mild temperature swings:

Parsley
Cilantro
Chives
Lettuce (still viable in cooler pockets)
Spinach (Zone dependent)

Tomatoes
Peppers
Basil
Cucumbers
Squash

Just remember, these plants need consistent warmth, especially at night.

If planted too early, they often just sit there, not growing, but once it warms up you’ll see growth.

How to Know When It’s Time

Instead of guessing, use these simple checks:

1. Check Your Frost-Free Date

Every garden is different. Your planting timing should be based on your local last frost date, not just your zone.

Tap here to find your frost-free date by zip code.

2. Watch Nighttime Temperatures

Once nights stay above 55°F consistently, you are in the safe zone for tender plants.

3. Feel Your Soil

Warm soil feels noticeably different, not cold and damp, but slightly warm and crumbly.

Smart Planting Tips for This Time of Year

Start slow instead of planting everything at once
Use containers to test early planting safely
Protect young plants with row covers if a cold snap is expected
Improve your soil now with compost before peak planting begins

A Gentle Reminder for impatient Gardeners (Like me!)

This season is not about rushing. It is about preparing.

A little patience right now leads to stronger plants, better blooms, and a more productive garden heading into summer. Give it just a few more weeks… and then it’s GO time!