Need advice.. I'm a new (Boston area) gardener

[Betty]

I am hoping to grow:

tomatoes
green beans
herbs (basil, cilantro, oregano)
onions, scallions
different kinds of lettuces
peppers
squash

can anyone tell me where I can look up (online) the proper planting times for these veggies? Or are there any gardeners out there who know? Also, any other suggested vegetables that do well here?

I have a pretty sunny property but also have some semi-shaded areas.

[papau]

1. Any of the Gardening stores in the area will help you. I've grown

most of the items you list in the Boston area, so you should have few problems - other than the usual!

Good Luck

:-)

[stellanoir]

2. many seed packs. . .

have a map of the country on the back of them and will show you which zone you're in and when to plant various types of plants. Now's the time for bulbs, pansies, and sweet peas. Prepare the soil now. Remove leaves roots and debris. Add some compost and/or manure. Turn the soil at least 3 times before planting. I'm about 70 miles south of you and rarely plant most annuals prior to May Day. (5/1) I've an uncle who's a horticulturist who used to say, "don't plant annuals prior to 5/15. . .but with global warming you probably no long have to wait that long. Happy planting!!!

[Nay]

3. Call the State Agriculture Dept. and ask how to get hold of a

Master Gardener. They will give free advice, and will have intimate knowledge of the area.

[Blue Gardener]

4. Extension Service

Does your state college have one? If Massachusetts has a Master Gardener program they are an excellent resource. In Iowa we can download tons of information about gardening, there may also be a hotline you can call, here it's called the hortline. I went through the Master Gardener program last fall and am know trying to get all my intern volunteer hours in. I also believe the National Gardening Association has a good website where you can sign up for regional gardening news. You definitely need to know what zone you live in also.

[Raven]

5. I've grown most of the veggies on you list in Boston

and a good rule of thumb is to plant over Memorial day weekend, although you may be safe planting a week or so earlier. Good luck and enjoy!

[Betty]

6. Thanks everyone

all advice is much appreciated!

[OneBlueSky]

7. here's a tip for your peppers . . .

got it from my mailman when I lived up in Amesbury some years back . . . two words: epsom salts . . . peppers thrive if you goose them with epsom salts dissolved in water . . . use both for watering and to spray on the plants . . . the magnesium in the salts will help make those peppers big and tasty . . . :)