Spring is approaching, but is it too early to start planting? Garden experts reveal the most important date you need to know

The crocuses are in bloom and it calms down in the evening, but even though it feels like spring is approaching, is it still too early to plant?

If you’re eager to get into the garden, make sure you don’t plant warm-season annuals and tender perennials when frost is still on the way, otherwise your efforts will be in vain.

It is best to wait until the last frost date in spring, but this applies every year and also per region. This means that you have to follow different rules in London than in Glasgow.

You can estimate when the last frost date will be using data from previous years, which you can find at Plant cards.

However, garden experts also recommend checking local weather reports for the most up-to-date guidance before planting.

While you have to wait until it’s warmer to grow tomatoes, for example, cool-season vegetables like lettuce thrive in the spring, according to bhg.com.

These versatile crops also grow when it is still a bit chilly, and even before the last frost date.

Once your soil has thawed to the point where you can dig, you can sow cool-season vegetable seeds straight into the garden instead of starting them indoors.

Abundant display of colorful tricolor violets, which tolerate cold weather well (stock image)

Examples include chard, kale and radishes, which grow surprisingly quickly in spring and tolerate frost well.

But some flowers can brave the cold and continue to bloom even before the last frost date, including species such as snapdragons and pansies.

You can also plant bare-root trees before the last frost date, as they have not yet put on new leaves and can tolerate colder temperatures if necessary.