Question
Hello,
My name is Johnny and I have been gardening here on the island for a few years. I have recently purchased healthy 4 in. nursery grown Salvia Guaranitica "Black and Blue," Salvia Uliginosa "Bog Sage," Salvia Coccinea, and Stachys Coccinea.  They have been in my house for 2 days now and I am going away next week.  With this weekend weather not being so great, should i keep the plants indoors or should i plant them before i go away? Thanks for your help!

Answer
This stuff should get in the ground asap, Johnny.  This weather may not be good for golf and picnicking, but it's terrific for fish, grass and garden plants.

This kind of mild, wet forecast is just right for roots, which go through major shock treatment no matter how careful you are with the root ball.  Most of the root hairs are wiped out when a plant is trans-planted.  Keeping as much of the root ball (or soil from the pot you have) retains all the roots you can, but there's still going to be major fallout down there.

The roots can still work.  But the root hairs multiply the absorption capabilities of the roots a thousandfold.  So when you get rid of those, you are wiping out a lot of absorption power.  That's why plants tend to wilt when we transplant them -- that is the 'shock' they endure when you take them out of point A to put them in point B.

So this mild weather, the kind that slows metabolism and allows for recovery of sub-soil plant parts, is just what the doctor ordered, Johnny.

Besides, they can't eat anything without Photosynthesizing light, and they aren't going to do much of that in your house.  They'll starve to death if you keep them indoors all week.

Beautiful Salvias you have there, too.  The neighbors will be jealous.  Sounds like the Jones's will be keeping up with you this summer.

Some Bone Meal in the holes alongside the roots will keep the new root growth strong and healthy and supply all the fuel for beautiful flowers this summer.

Hope this helps.  Let me know how it goes.  And when you have a second, I'd like to know where you bought those locally.  Keep in touch.