Best starter garden plants?

deineria · #1 02/19/10, 02:34 PM

We've not had a garden before, though my dad and grandmother always have. My dad would be the person I'd ask these questions, but he passed away last June (at 85). My husband and I are in our 20's, and we are, like most people in that age group, clueless about what we can and can't grow and what will do well here in West Virginia (close to Ky and Oh). Should have paid more attention growning up

What would you recommend for a first year garden?
What should we plant as seeds and what should be purchased as plants?

The most I've grown is tomatoes. Everyone here grows tomatoes, at least. lol.

ChristieAcres · #2 02/19/10, 02:53 PM

deineria- If I was a newby gardening just starting out, I'd go to the local nursery and ask what book they recommend for local vegetable gardening. I also determined my USDA Zone (8b). When I moved to PNW, I purchased the Western Garden Book (Sunset). My favorite gardening book, is "How to Grow More Vegetables than you ever thought possible on less land than you can imagine," John Jeavons. There is also Square Foot Gardening, by Mel Barthelomew. I prefer the older prints, but have both. For pest control, I like "Dead Snails Leave no Trails," by Nancarrow & Taylor. For Companion Planting (what plants benefit others...), I prefer this link:

http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html

Due to our climate here, wet, and usually cooler, I opted for raised bed gardening. Since you are in WV, I expect you will get your answers from your local nursery if no one else chimes in (from WV, that is). Your garden site (sun exposure...) & soil PH are important, as is choosing how you will amend and prepare prior to planting.

blooba · #3 02/19/10, 03:39 PM

Pretty new at gardening myself,being in NW Ohio, the biggest problem I have is timing. Either I get hit with that late frost or the growing season gets cut short by the early frost,I have learned start as much as you can inside so you will get a headstart on the season. Of course some plants are better to start in the ground and aren't as affected by the weather or have shorter growing seasons.

Txsteader · #4 02/19/10, 03:41 PM

Check your local extension service, too. They can probably provide planting dates and recommend varieties for your area.

Many times, state universities have lots of good info, too. You might check WVU's website.

frankva · #5 02/19/10, 03:43 PM

You need a local mentor. Seen any old men out grubbing in a garden? Most would be willing to talk to you. Save you some learning curve time.

Most people know what does work, and more importantly what does not work in a given area.

ChristieAcres · #6 02/19/10, 03:50 PM

Yep, starting out best not to "reinvent the wheel," but utilize someone who is enjoying their vegetable garden success. Frankva is right on! I enjoy books at my disposal for reference, as I love to experiment & stretch the limits...

Callieslamb · #7 02/19/10, 10:59 PM

Easy plants: (cool season - from seeds) lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, celery, potatoes, peas
(cool season - buy transplants for a first garden) broccoli, cabbages, onion sets, garlic bulbs

(Warm season - from seeds) - squash, cucumbers, okra, corn, melons
(warm season as transplants) tomatoes, peppers

Cool season is before the last spring frost - warm season is considered after the last frost date. Look up your climate zone on a plant hardiness map - that map should also tell you when to expect your last and first frost dates.

I highly recommend using purchased transplants for your first garden for tomatoes and peppers, broccoli, cabbages, etc. You don't need transplants for squash, cukes, etc...though they are available. Seeds are cheaper.

In MI - I supposedly plant cool season veggies in April. Warm season isn't supposed to start until after Memorial Day. I cheat.

Look up your state or county extension office online and see what resources they have available online.

Don't forget easy fruits in your garden - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries!

Plants that like heat to grow are good candidates to start from seeds. Especially those that would also like a long growing season- like tomatoes and peppers. Squash, cucumbers. green beans, lettuce, beets, carrots - can all be put in the ground as seeds. I also start broccoli from seeds.

perhaps with your first garden you are better off buying transplants for the tomatoes and peppers and broccoli

geo in mi · #8 02/20/10, 07:50 AM

I second what Callieslamb said. Enjoy, but get a hat and some good gloves. And for this year only, Miracle--Gro could be your best friend. (Give yourself some success)

blooba · #9 02/20/10, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo in mi

And for this year only, Miracle--Gro could be your best friend. (Give yourself some success)

I might forgo the Miracle Gro, Last year a late frost got my plants, so I replanted and Miracle Gro'd em, well I "shocked" em or something, they grew great,flowered , but then the buds fell off with no fruit. Guess there was too much nitrogen or something.

MN Gardener · #10 02/20/10, 06:07 PM

I would check with your local extension office too. Here they have gardening classes every other week for a month or two before planting time. I remember when I started out, which was quite few years after my dad passed away. Everytime I had a question or problem I always wished I would have paid more attention to what he did in the garden.....kicked myself in the butt for it and still do today!