Sounds like the way to go, Rita!

I'm tempted to grow veggies next year. If I do, I'll ask Rita for the tried and true types of seed!!

Good idea, Roses! I might do the same.

I think I'll try to get a few raised beds that are of simple structure. I saw a great idea using some cinder block and very large but not extremely deep plastic storage containers. The whole arrangement would go behind my shed at the perimeter of one side of the property, so it wouldn't be an eyesore.

That's a nice idea, Roses. Plus, seems easier to net against the munching critters when it's in a raised bed.

Roses_R_Red said:I'm tempted to grow veggies next year. If I do, I'll ask Rita for the tried and true types of seed!!

Any type of squash is easy from seed. Also Cucumbers and peas and beans really easy. Peppers and eggplant difficult from seed plus you need to start them early to get plants big enough to set out. I am told that tomatoes are easy from seed also.

I am letting a few of the beans grow on the vine so I'll have seeds for it again next year. I've really enjoyed this particular variety--very pretty in addition to yielding nice beans.

*sigh*

I so miss doing this! It's been a couple of years anyway since I grew any veggies.

I want to do a little of that here but trying not to get ahead of myself! I had hoped to grow some kale for fall but fear I have left it too late to start seeds. I may give it a shot anyway.

I did once grow toms from seed and it was lots of fun but to be honest you never get better or faster fruit than if you buy plants. Seems they are all going to start to ripen at the same time, generally, depending on where you live, and regardless of how early you start! (Of course, this is presuming you can buy good varieties as started plants which may not be possible in some places. I have been fortunate in that regard.)

What are people's favorite things to grow?

My watermelon and cuke plant have been a bust--still have not gotten anything to harvest. The strawberry and green bean plant have been great. Still waiting for the tomatoes to ripen, but at least they are there on the plant!

I picked two full bags of those gallon size baggies storage bags full of various cherry and grape type tomatoes this morning. Yesterday I picked four bags of tomatoes I gave to various friends and neighbors. Today I gave those two bags plus a bunch of slicer type Big Boy Tomatoes to my friend Vinnie. He was happy.

Gosh, I just pick and pick and pick tomatoes and give away tomatoes by the bags and bags and bags. Still have plenty for me.

Catmint20906 said:What are people's favorite things to grow?

Tomatoes, tomatoes and tomatoes! Yes, nothing beats home grown tomatoes fresh from the garden. Then I also always grow cucumbers. I do love a nice fresh cucumber and tomato salad, so yummy.

Also like to grow peas, beans, peppers, eggplants and summer squash.

But as far as tomatoes, I have such a variety of shapes and sizes and colors and tastes. Love my tomatoes from the garden.

Do you have favorite tomato varieties for eating, Rita?

I'm looking forward to finally having mine ripen. They are 'Paul Robeson'. Several of them on the vine now, looking plump but still green. I may try cherry tomatoes next year--they are so yummy.

Cherry Tomatoes make such great snacking. My favorite cherry types are Sunsugar, even better than Sungold.

Those "black" type tomatoes have such rich flavors. Although I have not tried 'Paul Robeson'. I have read that it is a very good one.

My favorite tomatoes are Big Boys and Better Boys. This year I discovered another Locally I found as a Bonnie Plant called Pink Girl. Just love the taste of those Pink Girls.

Have quite a few "gourmet" type varieties this year I am trying. Some really very good, others a disappointment to me.

thanks, Rita, I will have to keep those in mind: Sunsugar, Big Boys, and Better Boys.

what are the 'gourmet' types like?

Catmint20906 said:thanks, Rita, I will have to keep those in mind: Sunsugar, Big Boys, and Better Boys.

what are the 'gourmet' types like?

Well, those are my favorites. Doesn't mean everyone will agree. But I like them much better than any others I have ever tried, including heirloom tomatoes.

What I think of as gourmet types are anything unusual. So yellow tomatoes, swirled tomatoes, black or brown types I think of as gourmet types.

But you've been disappointed in the flavor of some of the gourmet ones?

Oh yea, I try new to me ones and I don't always like them.

well, I'm looking forward to trying the Paul Robeson once it finally ripens. It's a new world for me to sample different flavors of tomatoes!

The first year I did wintersowing, I sent off my SASE for the little packets of seeds (which is a wonderful thing, they do a beautiful job of selecting a variety) and one type I received was for Cherokee Green tomatoes. That did not sound appealing to me but I planted and grew them and not only did they do really well, they tasted very good.

Matter of fact, pretty much everything they sent me did amazingly well. I guess that's because they were all gathered from wintersown plants!

Right now I'm thinking about this kale I want to plant. I will save seeds to wintersow, but I hope to have a little to grow before then.

Maybe I'll do that today, though the moon gardening peeps say this is not a good leaf day.

that's interesting, Kyla! Can you say a little more about why winter sowing makes a difference for flavor? (I'm new to veggie planting.)

Also wanted to let you all know that I found a cuke this morning!