Question
I live in Southeast Michigan in zone 6. I've seen perennials in 4 inch pots on sale already. Is it safe to plant them outside after I harden them off?  

Answer
Ginny,
 I am in Nebraska and in growing zone 5b.  Right now I'm starting to  harden plants.  Temps have been above 50 for 2 weeks and into the 70's.  I would imagine you could start now also--but be ready to cover them or bring them in in case of a late frost!
Just thought I'd add my favorite soil mix to use in new areas or to work into established gardens around plants:
Good Soil Mixture:

  In the established garden areas, I  use a shovel to turn the clear areas around the plants  each year and work in some of the mix.  Work it into the soil around all your established plants.
 
For new garden beds or around your spring garden:
 For every 10?x 10?of NEW area add:

4 bags of good topsoil
4 bags of horse/cow/chicken manure-of course, not raw
Any amount of your own compost
2 bags sand-play sand is OK(depending on your soil type)
1 bag Millorganite -organic fertilizer, nurseries-not avail. in all states
2 bags cedar mulch
2 bags pellet gypsum (for aeration)-if your soil has lots of clay
1 bag powdered/granulated sulphur

Rototill this mixture into the ground and rototill about 1 foot in depth or more if you can.

This mixture is the best I have formulated and I have GREAT success with it.  I always have a bunch of it premixed so when I transplant I can have that area primed!  This stuff is like butter if you till it enough and put in the right stuff!

I also use this in and around already established plants.  The mixture can be lightly turned to mix with existing dirt with a shovel.  I do this yearly.  I usually have a big mound of dirt ready to go anytime in back of my shed (covered, of course).

MILLORGANITE can be purchased at all the nurseries in town, about $10 a bag.  It is organic and will not harm pets or you!  You can put it on the lawn in the spring and again in the fall with a spreader ( I put it on quite heavily) and all your flowers and vegetables.


Happy Gardening--it's my Therapy!!
Sijka