First time gardener questions

Hey all, I am starting a garden for the first time this year! I know it’s a little late in the year to get started, but better late than never. My question is (I actually have a few) what seeds need to be started inside and what can I just plant outside? I plan on having corn, green beans, okra, cucumber, various peppers, tomatoes, maybe some potatoes, carrots, zucchini, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, and any other suggestions? Which ones of these is it too late to plant seeds? I live a little south of Kansas City Kansas.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions it is appreciated.

I don't think it's too late to plant seeds --- but I'm pretty much a beginner too. I just refer to the back of the seed packets....they have the planting time for your zone indicated.

Have fun....

Tomatoes you can start indoors. Beans and peas don't like to be disturbed, so do best when directly sown in the ground. Not sure about corn, but I would imagine that would be direct sow also.

Do a google search for a planting guide for your area. I found this one that might help you: http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/veg_garden_calendar.html

I just posted this in another thread, but Organic Gardening magazine has a great seed starting chart. You type in the date of your average last frost, and it calculates the starting dates for lots of veggies for you. You can save & print it so you have your own personalized chart. http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-5-19-212,00.html

If you don't know the date of your average last frost, your local county extension service is the place to call. Just Google "YourState Cooperative Extension." Mine has a phone help line for garden questions.

Outside: corn, all beans, potatoes, carrots
Inside: cukes (but they would love to start outside, and maybe it's warm enough where you live?), peppers, tomatoes, zucchini (same deal as the cukes), basil, oregano

Grow some melons, too. I'm on the perpetual quest to manage to grow melons - I live in New Hampshire, and our growing season is really short. This year, I ordered melon seeds that were developed at the Univ. of NH for short season gardeners. There's nothing like home grown melons!!

If you want a good book, I love "The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Ed Smith. If you don't get answers to your questions, he'll have all of them. :-)

Good luck & enjoy!

- Tricia

thank you for all your help! I will stay intouch to let you now how it turns out.

I recommend not sowing any outside veggies until you soil temp is 70 degrees. I don't plant here in Maine until Memorial Day weekend.

I have never had luck starting peppers and tomatoes outdoors from seed. The rest are fine to sow directly

Jermjmm - if you are unsure as to your first and last frost dates, call or email your local weatherperson - that's what I did when I moved here to NC.