Hey everyone! I'm a beginner gardener trying to kick off a flower and vegetable garden. I don't have tons of time or knowledge, so I'm hunting for flowers and veggies that I can just plant directly into the soil. I live in Zone 5A and we've already had our last frost. I do have some tomato and onion starters ready, but I'm curious if there are other options I can plant now since I didn't start more earlier. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!
3 Answers
In Zone 5A, short-season vegetables like cucumbers, melons, or squash would work well now that the soil is warm enough. It's likely not too late for zinnias either! They’re a great pick for direct sowing this time of year.
Cucumbers from seed are a great choice! You could also go for zinnias and cosmos, as pollinators love them. Later on, think about planting peas, lettuce, cilantro, and other cool-season crops for a fall harvest. I typically do my leafy greens a bit later to get the most out of them!
You should definitely try planting some colorful and low-maintenance flowers like marigolds or zinnias! They’ll bring an instant splash of brightness to your garden, and they're super easy to grow!
That sounds like a solid plan! I’ve had success with planting greens later in the season too and they’ve thrived.