I myself would wait. They'll be happier inside until the ground warms up well into the 50s. Otherwise they sit there and sulk. JME.

Gary

Find a way to check your soil temp. Any simple stick in the ground thermometer works.

Normally I'd be planting out this coming week here in 7a as my soil temp would be well into the 50s. But my soil temp is still only 46 degrees in my raised beds (they warm up faster) and 40 in the in-ground gardens. Unless the temps really take off in the next few days it could be 10-14 days until I can plant - way late from normal.

Dave.

There is no single answer to your question. But I would go by some indicators:

a) if you are buying plants or have room inside , wait a while but if your plants are over grown and you are itching (as was my case) , check these:

1- are your plants hardened off ?
2- is your LFD passed ?
3- has there been lows in low 30s lately ?
4- How do the 10 days extended forecasts look? Any lows in mid 30s and/or lower?
5- what is your soil temperature ? 50F plus ?

If you get favorable answers to above indicators, then if I were you I would go ahead and do it. BUT still be on the look out and be prepared for the " JUST IN CASE".

I have followed those steps myself and have planted mine about 5 days after our LFD (about 10 days ago). Since then the lows have been around 42F and few nights of 38 and 39F. Tonight's low will be 39F again. But as longs as lows are over 36F I am not worried. My tomatoes are already COLD HARDENED. Believe it or not, the are actually growing now.

So, I took a chance and followed my "ITCH FACTOR" and things are ok. YMMV

I used to push the season. But I'm waiting 2 weeks past LFD this year. Unless you can seriously warm the soil with plastic.