Intricate as your plans may be, you can't predict Mother Nature's actions and from time to time new plantings will be lost to an unexpected cold snap. However, by using frost date guidelines and paying attention to the timing of annual occurrences in your garden, you’ll not only spare a few seedlings, you’ll have a healthier garden, as well.

External Links:

• The Old Farmer's Almanac - Offers planting time guidelines, weather forecasts, pest control tips and other advice for home gardeners.
• Life Cycles Phenology Software - Guidelines and tips for practicing phenology in your own garden. Shareware phenology software also available.
• Gardening by the Moon - Detailed information on planting and caring for the garden based on the phases of the moon.
• U.S. National Arboretum - Detailed map of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's plant hardiness zones