New to gardening and N. Carolina

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tinlizzy1978 LaGrange, NC(Zone 7b) Feb 08, 2012

I have recently acquired garden space, and have not been in a garden since I was a kid, but have a strong desire to have a wonderful source of fresh produce. I would like to do some berries and as many veggies I can get. I am going to order heirloom seeds, but would like some recommendations of what to start and when, I think my starting window is just around the corner if I am not wrong. Any help I can get will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time!!

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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Feb 09, 2012

tinlizzy1978 - I'm located in Charlotte NC in the same zone as you.

If your soil is hard red clay (as is mine) I suggest you use raised beds using 12 inch boards filled with whatever materials you can afford. Don't disturb the clay soil surface, doing so will cause water to "puddle" too long - I call it the "bath tub effect".

Grow what you and your family like to eat.

If you post a list of the vegetables you like, I'll give you my planting dates as a guide for you.

Yes, it's time to start planning for spring here in zone 7b.


My parents had a car they called "tin lizzy" back in the 1950's!

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Horseshoe Efland, NC(Zone 7a) Feb 10, 2012

Welcome to the site, tinlizzy. (Honeybee, I wonder how she got that name? Don'tcha love it!)

I think you're on the east side of Raleigh if I remember correctly, maybe an hours drive or so from me. You've got good timing going for you with your planning. Some things needs to be started soon (peppers, eggplant), more a few more weeks later (tomatoes, certain herbs), and as the ground begins to warm up then you can start your cucurbits (technical name for squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc).

Holler back and let us know what you're looking for, I have no doubt you'll get loads of great info!

Happy Gardening,
Shoe

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KathyWid Clover, SC Feb 11, 2012

Raised beds are a terrific option as Honeybee pointed out. If you grow tomatoes, it's tempting to want to start them in February. Our experience has been that they do best if set out in the garden in early May (10 days to two weeks after the last projected frost.) Start them 6-8 weeks before you want to set them outside. A sunny window works well. Here's some more info: http://www.tomatodirt.com/tomato-seeds.html

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