New to SFG, is it too late?

kholcomb 5/25/2012, 8:50 am

Hello!
I am new to SFG, heck, I am new to gardening! I have always wanted a home garden. There is just nothing better than homegrown tomatoes and peppers!
Anyway, is it too late to get started this season? I am in central Ohio. I would like to plant tomatoes and peppers (obviously!). What are some other good 'starter' veggies for me to try?
Another question...should I start with seeds or transplant?
Thanks!
Krista

**walshevak** 5/25/2012, 9:12 am

Welcome to the wonder world of Squarefoot gardening. Have you read the book ALL NEW SQUAREFOOT GARDENING? It is the how to manual for people on this forum and explains all. So get your beds built and start gardening. Even if it's only one.

In your area you are not so far behing for summer crops. Beans, tomatos, peppers, eggplant,squash and even chard are all warm weather crops. Get transplants for all except beans at this late date if you can. If not seeded chard and squash come up quickly. In July it will be time to start preparing for a fall garden.

Important dates to learn are the average date of your last frost (in the spring) and average date of your first frost (in the fall) All of your planting will revolve around these dates.

The folks on this forum are a helpful bunch, so keep posting and be sure to include pictures. We love pictures and they help us to help you.

Kay

**rowena___.** 5/25/2012, 10:33 am

welcome!

it is never too late. Smile

FWIW, i started my first SFG several years ago in june--i had just left my job to become a SAHM, and finally had the chance to try to learn to grow things. that summer our garden was so prolific that i had to learn to can and dehydrate food--we were overrun and i didn't want a bite to go to waste.

start now--learn as you go--plan for the fall season now so you don't have to rush. by this time next year you will be an expert.

Weedless_ 5/25/2012, 10:49 am

Never late! Never! My first SFG season started in late May, and I managed to grow: tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, watermelons, melons, pumpkin, beans (not the best, but still worked), and herbs. I say, plant away, if nothing else, it will give you ideas on what works for you.

**llama momma** 5/25/2012, 11:00 am

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome, I'm in central Ohio too. What side of town are you on? I might be able to point you to some of my favorite places for transplants and supplies. In the other post Kay and Weedless gave you great starting information. Let me add that our frost dates are roughly May 15th-30th-ish and Oct 3rd-15th-ish. Finally, do read the book, it is what we base this entire forum on.
Once again Welcome!

kholcomb 5/25/2012, 1:33 pm

llama momma wrote:Hi Neighbor,

Welcome, I'm in central Ohio too. What side of town are you on? I might be able to point you to some of my favorite places for transplants and supplies. In the other post Kay and Weedless gave you great starting information. Let me add that our frost dates are roughly May 15th-30th-ish and Oct 3rd-15th-ish. Finally, do read the book, it is what we base this entire forum on.
Once again Welcome!

I am on the north side of Columbus. Right around the Polaris/Lewis Center area.

**llama momma** 5/25/2012, 1:47 pm

Oh no. I am the opposite direction, 10 miles southeast of Columbus. South of 33, just south of Canal winchester/Lithopolis area. Near Slate Run Park. Sorry I barely know my way around the north end. Well, there are other central ohioans that visit this site too. Diannamarie3 and Javaaddict are two I can think of. But let me know if you get stuck and I'll be glad to help out from this end of the world Smile

landarch 5/26/2012, 12:12 am

it's not too late...each year nurseries and grocery stores mark down their tomatoes and peppers after Memorial Day...I ususally pick up a fie extra plants to fill out the garden and by the end of the season, you really can't tell what plants were early and what plants were late. If you start now, you will get a summer harvest and then be ready for a really good fall garden as well (beets, lettuce, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, etc.).

**walshevak** 5/26/2012, 10:53 am

This is a good weekend and next week to get your box(s) built and located all the components of the soilless medium (Mels Mix) we grow in. It does take some time. Then watch for the markdowns and pick up your plants. If kept watered, the plants will survive a week or so until you get their new home ready.

Tip, the seed racks will be taken down soon so if you want any seeds for now and for the fall, buy them now and store in the fridge.

If you have questions, post and we will try to help, but the best source is the book.

Kay

**walshevak** 5/26/2012, 3:41 pm

I was just at Wal Mart and they had generic brand tomatos and green bell peppers starts for 57 cents. They looked pretty good and were about 6" tall. Just right to transplant. The Bonnie Plants were still full price.

Stopped at Lowes and found some 1/2 price flower starts to fill in where the seeds didn't take. I saw a Bonnie Plants basil that I have been eyeing. It was pitiful looking so I asked about a mark down. The manager said Bonnie doesn't allow them to mark them down. So I learned something new today.

Kay

herblover 5/26/2012, 4:54 pm

Hi kholcomb,
You are right in my backyard! Welcome! I am between Westerville and Galena. I just planted tomatoes and peppers yesterday so you are definitely not late. As my lettuces finish off I will plant beans in those squares. We are going to be building a second box next weekend where I will plant second plants of each variety of pepper (had more pepper ideas than fruit last year!), beans, and then will start putting in the fall garden. You can get most of what you need to start at the big box places, my biggest challenge is compost. I am starting to compost but find I have better results if I use an organic fertilizer regularly.

cyclonegardener 5/28/2012, 2:57 pm

Krista, this is the perfect time to start! I would do transplants (tomatoes and peppers). If you can find seed potatoes, a great time to plant. Plus, many places are trying to move soils and peat right now, so you can get a pretty good price.
Don't forget about this fall, either.
I plant carrots and peas August 1, radishes late August to middle September, lettuce first of September, spinach first of September.

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