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Spring has finally sprung as gardeners get back to business

After one of the coldest winters in recent memory, gardeners in Windsor-Essex County are finally heading back outside to plant trees, shrubs and vegetables.

Temperatures rose to a high of 22 C Monday

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Karl Klinck is one of many gardeners who have been waiting for warm weather to return. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

Gardeners are finally heading back outside to plant trees, shrubs and vegetables.

Spring has waited a long time to bring warm weather to Windsor-Essex. The highest temperature recorded in March was only 14 C. And in the first part of April, temperatures rose above 20 C only one time.

Then it happened again Monday.

With temperatures hitting 22 C, local gardeners say they are finally able to take their plants outside.

Heading back outside

Karl Klinck, general manager of Orchard Farm Nursery Ltd., said recent temperatures have made it safe to plant trees and shrubs.

Karl Klinck said he is finally able to plant trees and shrubs outside. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

"The best indicator is when the grass starts to turn green. That's when the roots are active. And that's when you can expect your trees and shrubs are ready to grow and it's safe for the plants. Whether it's safe for the humans, I'm not sure," he said.

Greenhouses getting too full

Maria Pap, owner of Flora Gardens, said her greenhouse was starting to get too full in an effort to shield plants from less-than-optimal temperatures.

"We just were finally able to move some plants  ... we couldn't plant anymore," she said.

Maria Pap, owner of Flora Gardens, said warm temperatures should not be taken for granted. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

Not every plant ready for outdoors yet

Pap, however, added high temperatures are not stable enough to warrant planting everything outside.

"Plant things that can tolerate cold, like pansies ... watch your two-week weather forecast."

Megz Kubis said she's excited to plant tomatoes this summer. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

Avid gardener Megz Kubis had similar reservations about moving out of greenhouses.

"We're waiting for the frost to go away and to know that there's not going to be another snowstorm coming before we plant anything. But it's nice to get out here and see what we have the option of planting this year ... It's something we all look forward to as gardeners every year — getting out there, getting the sun, seeing our plants grow." said Kubis.

Millka Raskovic said she had to hide her potted plants in her shed longer than expected. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

Back in the routine

Residents like Millka Raskovic are just happy to get back to managing the front of their house.

"I already put some flowers in ... I love [this weather]. I've waited too long for this. Winter was really brutal, so this is awesome."

with files from the CBC's Dale Molnar

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