# Time to plant the veggies. I'm trying these for the first time. What about you? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 18, 2014, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401 "2014-04-18T08:40:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/21 "2014-04-20T02:00:27Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > I just started my seeds in a Burpee seed starter kit. I have 12 pods each of peas, beets, cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. With any luck some of them will actually sprout. With even more luck spring might actually show up before Halloween and I’ll be able to plant them outside without fear of more snow. Right now they’re in front of the only window in my house that actually gets direct sunlight. I used a Burpee seed starter kit for the first time too this year. First batch planted were the corn and tomatoes. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/22 "2014-04-20T02:12:44Z")
I want to get another kit to start some other stuff. I’d love to grow some corn and taters. I will be growing tomatoes as well but I will not be starting them myself. I am completely inept with tomatoes and no matter what I do, they fail. So I’ll be starting with a nice healthy plant that someone else started. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/23 "2014-04-20T02:32:11Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > I want to get another kit to start some other stuff. I’d love to grow some corn and taters. I will be growing tomatoes as well but I will not be starting them myself. I am completely inept with tomatoes and no matter what I do, they fail. So I’ll be starting with a nice healthy plant that someone else started. 😃 It may take a while but I will report back on my success/failure starting tomatoes in the Burpee seed starter kit. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/24 "2014-04-20T02:33:35Z")
I tried last year. I failed. ☹ Of course it’s entirely possible that my Sweetie is deliberately preventing my tomatoes from growing. He thinks they’re repulsive. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/25 "2014-04-20T03:29:53Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > I tried last year. I failed. ☹ Of course it’s entirely possible that my Sweetie is deliberately preventing my tomatoes from growing. He thinks they’re repulsive. Tomatoes repulsive? Do tell. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/26 "2014-04-20T03:41:53Z")
He’s a freak. He feels the same about most fruit - especially watermelon and strawberries. They do say opposites attract though. I hate mushrooms, sausage, and provolone and those are 3 of his favorites. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/27 "2014-04-20T04:22:08Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > I want to get another kit to start some other stuff. I’d love to grow some corn and taters. I will be growing tomatoes as well but I will not be starting them myself. I am completely inept with tomatoes and no matter what I do, they fail. So I’ll be starting with a nice healthy plant that someone else started. 😃 I’m reading my seed starter kit and you’re not supposed to put the tray in direct sunlight until the seedlings have fully rooted (2-4 weeks). If you put the tray in direct sunlight the tray may dry out too quickly. Ya gotta keep things moist and warm. (Indirect sun light?) Suggest you reload and … try again 🙂 C’mon. 'Tis the season. - Why do I feel that a seasoned gardener will come along shortly and make us look like _complete_ fools. :rolleyes: Or how about buffoons? Yeah, _complete_ buffoons. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/28 "2014-04-20T04:23:41Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > He’s a freak. He feels the same about most fruit - especially watermelon and strawberries. They do say opposites attract though. I hate mushrooms, sausage, and provolone and those are 3 of his favorites. Do you compromise on olive oil? Wine maybe? ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/29 "2014-04-20T05:07:05Z")
New plantings: Bunch onions, brussels sprouts, parsnips. We decided to save cauliflower for fall. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/30 "2014-04-20T05:23:05Z")
> [@susan](#): > > New plantings: Bunch onions, brussels sprouts, parsnips. We decided to save cauliflower for fall. Yes, [Brussels Sprouts.](http://www.yumsugar.com/Season-Brussels-Sprouts-2710931) Where we live we just go up a ways a way and the farmer let’s us go out and cut down a whole stalk. Bring 'em home, pull off the ones you want for a meal and leave the remainder on the stalk in the back yard until you want some more. In cool weather, they keep. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/31 "2014-04-20T08:58:56Z")
Every year I experiment with different heirloom tomatoes - one of my picks this coming season will be these [black cherry tomatoes](http://www.shockinglydelicious.com/heirloom-black-cherry-tomatoes/). Also pattypan squash, which is hard to find in stores around here but one of my favourites.I’m in zone 5a so in mid-May I hit [Wojos](http://www.wojos.com/edibles) and go nuts on 6-inch potted veggies and herbs. I’m also going to plant a LOT of herbs in containers on my front porch this year. And be more disciplined about drying or freezing what I can’t immediately use up. I also have raspberries and blackberries that come up every year on my property and I’m going to nurture them this year - maybe some netting so the birds don’t get all the berries before I do! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/32 "2014-04-20T09:40:58Z")
“Planting Zones” seem to be varied, depending on who’s book you are appealing to. Yes? ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/33 "2014-04-20T09:45:25Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > “Planting Zones” seem to be varied, depending on who’s book you are appealing to. Yes? I think yes. I really love having four distinct seasons and in general prefer winter over the hot, humid summer - but I do wish we had a longer growing season! If I could afford a heated greenhouse for year 'round fresh vegetables and herbs I’d definitely do that. ---
**Author:** ![theR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@theR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theR)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/34 "2014-04-20T13:59:47Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > We’re planting our first crop of blueberrys in raised beds. [This is all I know about growing blueberrys.](http://www.burpee.com/fruit-plants/blueberry-plants/growing-blueberries-article10808.html) Can you provide any tips, especially about soil, feeding, offerings to The Gods? Oh, and what about birds? Do you cover your bushes? I only planted them a couple years ago and don’t know much more than you can read online. In general for my whole garden I do minimal feeding or anything besides weeding, watering, and pruning if needed. I put mine on the side of a hill facing the sun in my backyard and they seem to like it. That meets the requirements of lots of sun and drainage. My soil leans towards clay and I’ve never checked the pH. The soil should be slightly acidic according to various guides. You definitely need to cover them. Birds love blueberries and will eat them before you get the chance. Part of the reason I planted them is because my grandfather had dozens of very mature blueberry bushes. When I was a kid we would always be there during the season to pick gallons of blueberries. He had netting over all of them and often we would have to free birds that gut stuck in the netting trying to get to the blueberries. Plant at least a couple varieties if possible to get better production than several plants of the same variety. They also should be close enough to each other to get cross pollinated, all the guides saying under 100 feet apart. Mine are about six feet apart from each other, which is about what is recommended depending on your garden layout. Most recommendations say to pinch of the flowers so they don’t produce the first few years so the energy goes to growth instead of producing fruit. That way the bush is supposed to get bigger faster and ultimately lead to better production. Blueberry bushes can produce for decades, so I hope you like them in the location you picked. Most guides will also have recommendations for pruning to keep the berries large and yield higher than without pruning. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/35 "2014-04-20T16:07:36Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > I’m reading my seed starter kit and you’re not supposed to put the tray in direct… It’ll be at least a month before that window actually gets direct light and once it does it’ll only last about a month. I love my trees but I do miss sunlight. > [@Little\_Pig](#): > > Do you compromise on olive oil? Wine maybe? Ha! Coffee. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/36 "2014-04-20T19:40:29Z")
> [@bump](#): > > We planted a couple of weeks ago. We’re doing the Heinz Super Paste tomatoes and Celebrity (2 plants each), Roma II bush beans, Sumter cucumbers, Sugar baby watermelons, Ambrosia cantaloupes and Louisiana Green Velvet okra, along with some herbs (basil, parsley and dill) Oh yeah, I’m trying out blackberries as well- I planted two Ouachita thornless upright blackberry bare-root plants about a month ago, and they’re finally growing! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/37 "2014-04-20T21:31:55Z")
> [@chiroptera](#): > > Every year I experiment with different heirloom tomatoes - one of my picks this coming season will be these [black cherry tomatoes](http://www.shockinglydelicious.com/heirloom-black-cherry-tomatoes/). \ I tried some orange tomatoes, and some chocolate brown tomatoes last year - both were very good, and I will plant them again if I can find them. > [@bump](#): > > Oh yeah, I’m trying out blackberries as well- I planted two Ouachita thornless upright blackberry bare-root plants about a month ago, and they’re finally growing! I planted a [dwarf sour cherry](http://www.fruit.usask.ca/dwarfsourcherries.html) last year that has been developed for my zone (zone 3); we’ll see how it does this year. We’re going to sell our house this summer; I’m very tempted to take this shrub with me. Since we are selling, I’m not going to plant much of a garden this year; just potatoes, peas, and tomatoes, probably (potatoes mostly because they have such lovely foliage). Oh yeah, definitely put nets on your fruiting shrubs. I don’t mind sharing with the birds and squirrels, but they’d take everything! ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/38 "2014-04-20T21:45:45Z")
I was doing a clear-out on my front garden, because a few things are overgrown. While I was at it, I decided to clear the planting areas in the back, which is where I like to grow veggies and herbs. It’s a little late in the season here - South Florida - but I’ll plant some stuff for the warmth of summer. I’ve been too lazy the past few years, and my soil isn’t great right now. So I just need to get something in the ground, and let it start going. I figure I’ll plant zucchini…some beans and peas, maybe. I might throw some sweet potatoes in the ground, because I can, if I don’t find other things to plant. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/39 "2014-04-20T23:14:13Z")
> [@theR](#): > > I only planted them a couple years ago and don’t know much more than you can read online. In general for my whole garden I do minimal feeding or anything besides weeding, watering, and pruning if needed. > > I put mine on the side of a hill facing the sun in my backyard and they seem to like it. That meets the requirements of lots of sun and drainage. My soil leans towards clay and I’ve never checked the pH. The soil should be slightly acidic according to various guides. > > You definitely need to cover them. Birds love blueberries and will eat them before you get the chance. Part of the reason I planted them is because my grandfather had dozens of very mature blueberry bushes. When I was a kid we would always be there during the season to pick gallons of blueberries. He had netting over all of them and often we would have to free birds that gut stuck in the netting trying to get to the blueberries. > > Plant at least a couple varieties if possible to get better production than several plants of the same variety. They also should be close enough to each other to get cross pollinated, all the guides saying under 100 feet apart. Mine are about six feet apart from each other, which is about what is recommended depending on your garden layout. > > Most recommendations say to pinch of the flowers so they don’t produce the first few years so the energy goes to growth instead of producing fruit. That way the bush is supposed to get bigger faster and ultimately lead to better production. Blueberry bushes can produce for decades, so I hope you like them in the location you picked. > > Most guides will also have recommendations for pruning to keep the berries large and yield higher than without pruning. Thank you very much! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401/40 "2014-04-20T23:20:57Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > It’ll be at least a month before that window actually gets direct light and once it does it’ll only last about a month. I love my trees but I do miss sunlight. > Ha! Coffee. Here I thought you could grow grapes. Ok, [Coffee it is.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q9ZCIMqoY4) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-plant-the-veggies-im-trying-these-for-the-first-time-what-about-you/686401.md?page=3)