Plant today with frost likely?

nick.buddell

Novice gardeners,

I have 35 plants arriving today to plant in a newly created border I've spent weeks digging out and brick egding. Mixtures of shrubs and ferns for a shady spot by a fence. I live in Kent and see frost is likely the next couple of nights. Would you still recommend planting asap or should I store in my conservatory and wait till the end of week/weekend to plant?

Plants are arriving in a mixture of sizes from 9cm pots to 2 litre.

Thanks, Nick

Obelixx

I would keep them safe because they will be coming form a sheltered environment and need time to acclimatise.  If they're plugs or bare roots, pot them up and grow them on.   Put them out by day and bring them in at night for at least a week until they're hardened off for life outdoors.

nutcutlet

for me it would depend on what they are and where they've spent the last few months.

nick.buddell

Thank you for the advice. I'll be keeping them inside overnight and move outside during the day. will aim to plant over the weekend, when the weather looks set to improve. Appreciate the replies.

TomCranham

I'm guessing this is the same with the Berberis i've got coming to me today?

Hostafan1

I agree , as ever , with Nut. If the plants have been outside in a nursery / garden centre, they'll not take kindly to being thrust indoors for a couple of days then brought back out. 

Millions of plants sit out in nurseries / garden centres 365 days of the year all over the country. 

Check the plants , their hardiness and establish where they've been stored recently.

Dovefromabove

I agree with Nut and Hosta ... and if in doubt contact the supplier and take advice ... they'll know whether or not they're acclimatised to the sort of weather we're getting at the moment.