Is It Too Late to Start a Garden This Year?
Asked by Gard3nW1z
I'm moving to a new house around mid to late April, and I'm eager to start a garden with both flowers (like bachelor buttons, dahlias, marigolds, cosmos, and snapdragons) and some veggies (potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers). I live in zone 6A, but right now, my garden area is covered in snow. Given that we don't have a budget for big gardening tools, I might stick to things like tarping the ground to prepare it. Do you think I'm too late to get started, or is there still a chance to make it work this season? Thanks for the help!
Answers
I personally direct sow after Mother's Day in zone 6A, so you’ve got more than enough time to get going. Many people are just now starting to think about gardening, so don’t stress about it being too late!
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You've definitely still got time! Even if you're a little late for your area, the experience you gain this year will pay off next year. Considering it's still early February and your frost date in zone 6A is usually around mid-April to May, you're in a good position. If you want to get a jump start, try planting some of your veggies like tomatoes and peppers indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before you move, so you can transplant them once you're settled in.
GreenThumb67: Totally agree! You've got plenty of time.
Gard3nW1z: Thanks! I'll definitely consider starting some indoors.
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From what you’ve shared, I'd recommend using a landscape spade to cut out any sod. You can compost the removed grass and turn it every couple of weeks. By solarizing the ground in April, you could aim for planting in June. Just remember to clear out the grass and add some fertilizer or compost to prepare for a May planting date.
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You can also skip some of the waiting by buying young plants from a nursery instead of starting from seeds. You'll get a more immediate garden this way!
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FarmerJ88: I'm in zone 3/4 and I wait until mid to late May to start my veggies, and I still end up with a great harvest. It's all about timing!