What You Can (and Can’t) Plant Right Now in Late March

Spring is starting to show up, but if you’re in Connecticut, you know we’re not quite in the clear yet.

Late March is that in-between time — sunny one day, cold the next — which means knowing what you can safely plant (and what should wait) makes all the difference.

At Designs by Lee, we’re starting to see things come in daily, but we’re also helping customers navigate this tricky early spring window.

🌼 What’s Safe to Plant Right Now

There are a few cold-tolerant plants that can handle early spring temperatures:

Pansies & violas

Some early perennials (depending on variety)

Hardy shrubs and trees

These are great options if you’re looking to start adding some life back to your outdoor space without worrying about a cold night.

⚠️ What to Hold Off On

Even though it’s tempting, some plants are better to wait on:

Most annuals

Vegetable plants

Anything frost-sensitive

We’re still at risk for frost, so planting too early can mean redoing everything later.

🌱 What You Can Do Right Now

Even if you’re not fully planting yet, there’s still plenty to do:

Start refreshing containers with new soil

Plan out your garden for the season

Pick up seed packets and supplies

Walk your yard and think about what you want to change

Getting a head start now makes the busy spring season much easier.

🐝 Looking Ahead to Pollinator Season

As we head into April and May, pollinators like bees and butterflies will start becoming more active.

This is a great time to start thinking about adding pollinator-friendly plants to your space — something we’ll have more of in the coming weeks.

🎉 What’s Coming Up at Designs by Lee

Spring is one of our favorite times of year, and we have a few events coming up:

Our Easter Event will feature local vendors, kids activities, and free photos with the Easter Bunny

We’ll also be adding more workshops, family events, and seasonal offerings as the weather warms up.

🌷 Stop By and See What’s New

Plants, pottery, and spring inventory are arriving daily, and things are changing quickly.

Even if you’re just stopping by for inspiration, it’s a great time to walk through and start planning your season.