Spring doesn't mean.......

....it's time to plant outside.

Nope it's just a date on the calendar really.  It does mean that typically the weather is warming up and the snow begins to melt, and certain flowers begin to bloom.  But although you may have the urge to plant those seedlings outside once it is spring on the calendar DON'T.  Some seedlings just aren't ready to go outside for some time yet.  

Here in NY (at least my area of NY) it is another month before I can plant many of my seedlings outside.  In fact it is snowing right now. You have to wait for your last frost date.  This is the date that on average there won't be any freezing temperatures after.  Know your zone and your first and last frost dates.  They are different in each zone and area.

To find your zone go here and type in your zip code.

To find your fist and last frost dates go here and type in your zip code.

An important thing to remember is your zone typically doesn't change each year, but your frost dates to a point do.  Granted the dates will be about the same every year but it's good to check to be sure.

So don't go planting anything outside until you check those frost dates...make sure you are within your window.