Oh so much to learn! First time EVER gardening!

[AnnaK]

Hi Everyone!
I'm so exited to be starting my very first garden this year and can't wait ti sert how it goes! I'm trying to not go too crazy, but there so much I want to try! So far I an planning on trying tomatoes, green beans, cukes, green peppers, watermelon, pumpkin, and my daughter wants to grow some carrots. I had read that you have stronger plants if you start seeds directly in the ground. I'm in Maine so I have been anxiously awaiting the right time...only now I'm worried I waited too long! I was planning on planting this weekend...do you think I will be ok if I do it then? Anything thing else I should know?
Anna

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome!

I'm not that familiar with your climate, but I would think you can start the carrots, green beans, cukes, watermelon and pumpkin seeds direct in the ground. For the tomatoes and green peppers, I think you would want transplants and not direct seed them. Hopefully someone more familiar with your climate will chime in.

Good luck!

 

[digitS']

Lots of people around here start their gardens on Memorial Day. The whole shooting match from arugula to zucchini.

I had neighbors once who held to this religiously. Or, since they were a military family, regimentally.

One Memorial Day it was raining cats and dogs the entire day. They were out there in the mud all day - whole family: Mom, Dad, 4 nearly-grown kids. Probably couldn't have gotten away with this on just any ground but, even that year, they had a fairly nice garden.

Steve

edited to add: Oh yes, do as Ridgerunner suggests and buy tomatoes & peppers for transplanting.

 

[Reinbeau]

Hi Everyone!
I'm so exited to be starting my very first garden this year and can't wait ti sert how it goes! I'm trying to not go too crazy, but there so much I want to try! So far I an planning on trying tomatoes, green beans, cukes, green peppers, watermelon, pumpkin, and my daughter wants to grow some carrots. I had read that you have stronger plants if you start seeds directly in the ground. I'm in Maine so I have been anxiously awaiting the right time...only now I'm worried I waited too long! I was planning on planting this weekend...do you think I will be ok if I do it then? Anything thing else I should know?
Anna

First of all,

You are nowhere near too late to plant everything on your list from seed but tomatoes and green peppers - best to go find some nice transplants. I am familiar with your area, we've got a home up in southwestern Maine. I'm planting potatoes up there this weekend. Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional planting time for your area

 

[lesa]

You are right on time! Welcome and Happy Gardening!

 

[bills]

I have found that direct seeding, has produced some very healthy, and vigorous plants.. Even the volunteer tomato plants can be vigorous growers, and sometimes actually out perform my seedlings.

You should be good to go, with what you have listed. The peppers and tomato's could still produce well for you, if we have a good hot summer, and a late fall.

Welcome to an exciting hobby!

 

[jojo54]

Welcome to the wonderful world of gardening! :rainbow-sun Enjoy yourself.

 

[AnnaK]

I am so excited to get my little seeds in the ground! We went out and bought the least of them yesterday. Thankfully my more level-headed husband was with me ite I would have bought one of everything! We ended up with some bush beans, carrots, sugar snap peas, watermelon, and cucumbers. We decided (really he did!) That that was probably a good start for this year. So this weekend into the ground they go! Before I can plant them I have ro figure out how to keep the chickens out.... Hmmmm


I cant wait!

 

[Ridgerunner]

The only thing I have found to work with chickens is a fence. Either a fence around the garden or a fence around the run. They love to scratch in mulch and fresh dirt. Good luck with them and the garden.

 

[lesa]

The first thing I always plant in my garden is a fence!! The chickens will dig up everything! Can't wait to hear how your planting goes! If budget allows it might be fun to plant a few transplants, as well. Just to tide you over, during the "waiting" period!