In a typical Spring, I remind my kxly4 viewers several times throughout April that it is too early to plant. But this is far from a typical Spring, and with our unseasonably cool conditions this season, I haven't noticed the premature rush to the local nurseries. The average date for the last frost in Spokane has come and gone (it's May 4th), but I'm still a little nervous about those Petunias, Marigolds, Begonias and other pretty, tender plants. The general rule of thumb for planting in Spokane is May 15th, but even then, I would definitely check the 7-day-forecast before I put my plants in the ground. The LATEST spring frost on record is May 23rd.

Gardeners in many of our outlying areas have to wait a little longer. For example, the average date of the last frost in Republic is June 10th! For a list of average last frost dates for several towns in Idaho and Washington, click here. Before you plant, be sure to watch kxly4, and I'll keep an eye on any potential frosts for you.