Richard Hentschel discusses when we plant the vegetable garden based on the long-standing average frost free date. Soil and air temperatures are additional indicators of when we should be planting those very hardy to warm-loving vegetable transplants and seeds. Soils warm at different rates. Sandy soils warm slower than dark soils. Microclimates in the home landscape also should factor in. We can use season extenders on both ends of the season to increase the days we get to garden.