Well, not really. It is planting time for tropical things like tomatoes and peppers up here in Yankeeland. Everybody likes to get an early jump on the season, but it's never worth the trouble. Annual plants do not get going until late May and June here.
On the other hand, from now on it's too late for planting shrubs and trees. Water them all you can for the first growing season, but transplantation stress and hot weather is tough. If they hold their own, next Spring they will grow fine on their own - if they like the spot you selected for them.
The great Ralph Snodsmith who had a gardening show on WQXR or somewhere for 100 years always said "Prepare a $50 hole for a $5 plant." With inflation, I'd say a $300 hole for a $30 plant.
Loosen up the roots of a potted plant, or chop them up a bit if the new plant is root-bound. After that, the hole is the thing. Double the diameter of the shrub or tree. A firm base, and fill with enhanced dirt (peat moss, planter soil, manure, whatever). I mix it all up for fill in a wheelbarrow to give the thing an easy start. Then soaker water plentifully the first year. Why? Because the plant doesn't have a sustainable root system yet, and to make it easier to send out new roots. Dry or compacted soil doesn't have the water space between soil particles in which to send new roots.
We planted a bunch of hollies this Spring. Actually, two batches. They are looking good thus far.
