Gambling on a frost-free May should not be a problem, however, if tender plants have been
hardened off properly by placing outside during the day and moved under cover at night.
They should be
hardened off before planting out at the end of spring, 30cm (12in) apart in rows 45cm (18in) apart.
Continue potting up rooted cuttings of chrysanthemums and plant out well rooted plants once they have been
hardened off in a cold frame.
Any vegetables which were sown under cover in January or February can now be
hardened off. A week or 10 days in a cold frame should suffice, after which they can be planted under cloches (which should have been in place for a few weeks, warming up the soil).
BEDDING plants that have been in the greenhouse (or warm area of the garden centre) need to be
hardened off or acclimatised before being placed outside full-time.