when to plant bedding plants

[maggie01]

I live in the south. Hampshire. When is it safe to plant bedding plants. I always seem to plant them later than everyone else.
I have all my plants but only put them out during the day at the moment.

[rowanwitch]

I planted mine around may bank holiday as it's unlikely there would be a frost to set them back. You might get away with this week end as you are further south, just be ready to protect any really sensitive ones

[Ratty2E]

I would be tempted to do it now but maybe have some fleece ready to cover them if a frost is forecast.

[carlton23]

In Bournemouth, and I have mine outside hardening off in a cold frame, and will plant them out in a weeks time.

[askyourgran]

It's been so nice and sunny up here that I planted my tubs out yesterday, We haven't had any rain so I've watered them well I'll keep an eye on them for the rest of the week.

[tamborine]

I planted out my veg's today & have cardboard boxes at the ready for frost.

[welshlibranr]

depends where you are really, sounds silly but could still have ground frost anywhere yet!..........if north, then more likely, I tend to go with the old myth that it's best to wait till beginning of May at least!............I plant mine out about the end of the first week in May, no problems so far, not in 30 years plus!..........

[maggie01]

Ok Thanks. I will wait a bit. I can cover the pots if it gets cold but can't really cover the ones going in the ground.

Mustn't be too impatient just because the sun is shining.

[Clanad]

It's a good idea to take a sampling of soil temperature. should be at least 55 degrees (F), and 65 is better at least two inches down...