March 2 is the last spring frost date in New Orleans, and I usually try to get my first vegetables planted around then to beat the summer heat. That was my project for a recent cold weekend, with lows in the mid-30’s but no frost. Since yards in the old part of town tend to be small, I’ve been container gardening for over 20 years.
In went the tomatoes and peppers. Also for good measure bibb lettuce (a little late), green beans, and a basil plant. I passed on the eggplant for now even though they were available because cold weather supposedly stunts their growth. I usually plant them in the beginning of April. The okra will get their turn sometime in early summer.
