Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a bind and could use your advice. My husband and I had some backyard work done, which resulted in four raised vegetable beds, but we have no idea what we're doing. We're located in Zone 7b on Maryland's Eastern Shore and ordered a bunch of heirloom and organic seeds. Unfortunately, our lovely pea plants got scorched during the heat in June, and after some heavy rains, two of them turned green again on top. I ended up trimming the plants down and even replanted the green tops just out of curiosity.
Now I'm left wondering what I could have done better and what I can do in the future. I'd love to try greenhousing or providing shade for my plants, but I'm not sure where to start since I have a limited budget and want to keep my plants healthy. How can I improve my gardening skills and better support my plants? Thanks for any guidance!
3 Answers
YouTube is a goldmine for learning about gardening! Check out different channels for tips on planting peas and other veggies. It's great to find multiple sources—when different channels say the same thing, you can be more confident about trying it out yourself. Remember, every gardener has their ups and downs. You're just starting, and that's totally okay!
Don't be too hard on yourself! Peas are cool-season plants and can struggle when it gets too hot, usually above 80°F. Try planting them in a shaded spot if possible, and make sure to keep them well-watered. When they start to look rough, I like to plant beans in between to take over once the peas are done. Oh, and you can definitely use shade cloth to help protect them from the harsh afternoon sun! You're doing great for a beginner!
Getting a gardening book specific to your area could be super helpful! Look for something like 'Gardening Essentials for Maryland' for a month-by-month guide. It'll give you a clear idea of when to plant what. Also, consider a landscaping book, too!