Chicago Spring Gardening: Timing for Planting Annuals and Tomatoes
As spring arrives in Chicago, gardeners are preparing to plant various annuals and tomatoes. According to the Chicago Tribune, cool-season annuals such as larkspur, snapdragon, and pansy can be planted outdoors by the second week of April, once the small plants are hardened off. However, cold-sensitive plants like marigolds should be planted only after the risk of frost has passed, typically in late May. Tomatoes, which are sensitive to cold temperatures, are also best planted in late May. Gardeners are advised to start seeds indoors up to 14 weeks before outdoor planting, using specific conditions such as bottom heat, light, or darkness for germination. The article emphasizes the importance of following seed packet instructions for optimal growth. 
