Should I Do It Now? — Garden Decision Lab

Gardener checking a smartphone while pulling frost cloth over young plants on a cool morning — Illustration: When frost threatens, the forecast decides — cover tonight, relax tomorrow.

Not sure whether to do that garden job today or wait? Pick the task, enter your ZIP, and get a straight answer — do it today, this week, or wait — plus what would change the answer.

Garden task

ZIP code

Or pick a city

How it’s figured

Each task has a target date tied to your average last spring frost or first fall frost (for example, “sow peas about 5 weeks before the last frost”). We compare that target to today’s date and give you a verdict: do it today, this week, wait until a date, or coming soon. Frost data comes from the nearest of 85 reporting stations (locations from the US Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer) — station data, not a measurement at your exact address. Task timing follows widely published Extension guidance ranges; these are long-term averages, not guarantees. Your local Extension office and your seed packet know your microclimate best.

Garden bed covered with white frost cloth held by clothespins and stones at dusk — Illustration: A frost cloth draped at dusk can buy your plants several degrees of protection.

Gardener's hands transplanting a seedling into dark garden soil beside a hand trowel — Illustration: Transplant day done right — firm soil contact and water immediately after.