So do you think I could still put one in?

[mommy2krj]

Due to circumstances entirely out of my control I wasn't able to get a garden in this year....yet.

I am wondering if I could still put one in....just obviously smaller and no melons like I wanted as they take longer and they probably won't be in the ground long enough.

I am in Zone 5 (I do believe!) in Wisconsin. It has been wet and cool for the most part so far this year. Was just wondering if it would be feasible or not? Any advice from you wonderful gardeners on here would be much appreciated!

[Josephhgoins]

I think you sure can! Just make sure to pick items that have a short maturity date.

I have a small apartment iwth only a patio to grow on. I use successive plantings of quick growing crops to get the most bang for my buck or space I should say.

I live in NC and can start planting earlier, so I started Potatoes in February that I harvested 2 weeks ago and then replanted. I also just planted green beans and should have enough for a few meals within the next 45 days.

[Contrary Housewife]

If you get on it asap before it gets too hot you can do this.

Check local nurseries, garden supply, grocery stores, and places that sell plants, they will be clearing out maturing (dying) and pot-bound tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Get them in the ground *now*. You can get some good deals if it is not too late. You may find other plants, too.

I think it is too late for lettuce, but you might get spinach or chard if you find any already growing. Don't try seeds.

Pick up any seed packets you might want for fall. Come August or so, just before it starts to cool down you can start cool weather crops like lettuce, greens, garlic, turnips. You won't be able to get seed in the fall.

[shoiji]

You can grow lettuce just will need to plant the seeds when it will start to get cooler.

I planted some basil seeds a week ago and they are sprouting nicely.

You can also get in touch with a local nursery to see what is still available that you can plant and grow. Many have tomato plants already bearing fruit.

[l8eebugg]

Yes, I agree, live in upstate New York...I would use plants not seeds unless really fast growing.
Note on the sad side for me. We have been having lots of weird things happen in the back of property. Have 3/4 acre fenced for dogs and rest is open grass area. Here is the mystery...My beautiful fish that were about 3 to 4 years old all but one was eaten. I know they were eaten because one remained in pond with a bite out of it. At first we thought the turtle ate them, seemed weird because Mabel hasn't eaten them before. Doubles her food to try to save last fish. Next rocks have fallen from water fall area this has never happened before. Today I go to check garden (been raining last two days) and have my green bean and eggplant are gone. Found one tomatoe plant pulled up but not eaten. We have been watching a doe and her fawn come in the AM and PM. Would she eat my plants? THey are outside of fenced area. Also birdfeeders are being emptied almost everynight. It is going to get to the point where I can't afford to feed the birds and they are a great source of joy for me. It is my indulgence. (okay..one of them) Anyone have any ideas. Raccoon? Never seen one here but it is possible.
I have almost finished screening gazebo. DBF messed up cutting boards, so have to go get some more to finish. He felt so bad he gave me money to buy new ones and more screen as I had stapled the screen before we realized the error. Tomorrow if it doesn't rain the gazebo should be finished until I can stain it next year. (dread that big time) New sewing room for me in the summer!! Yippee!!!

[Contrary Housewife]

Yes, deer will eat anything.

And that could be a raccoon getting into your bird feeder and taking your fish.

[frugalfranny]

I think you sure can! Just make sure to pick items that have a short maturity date.

Yep, I agree. WATCH THE DATES and you will be okay........probably not the time to do any cool weather crops.....but grab the seeds now for late summer planting.

We had an awful wet and cool spring and I have re-done some
cukes that I lost. My seeds have already germinated but they only have their first 'true set' of leaves coming.

I picked nothing longer than about a 60 day maturity.......but I
will be getting some...........if SOME BUG doesn't get my plant.
AND.....providing we EVER get some decent heat.

I say............GO FOR IT!

[mommy2krj]

Thanks for the replies everyone!! Good thought on getting the seeds for later planting....I've never tried getting a later harvest before.

What about planting blueberry bushes and the like? I mean, I'm sure I'm too late to harvest for this season...but would it be good to plant them now for next year's crop? Never tried growing my own blueberries and I don't know that the everbearing strawberries work with our winters or not. I'm not sure of what kind of perennial fruits I can grow up here. I know I'm in Zone 5 but it sure can act like Zone 4 sometimes!

[Contrary Housewife]

You can probably plant blueberries, though they will not do anything this year and it will be several years before you get more than a small handful of berries.

Look up the university extension service(s) for your state. They will be helpful explaining what grows in your area and how to care for it. While blueberries will grown up there some varieties may be better suited for your winters than others.

[mommy2krj]

I will do that! There is so much information online sometimes that you can just get lost in it!

It's ok if the blueberries don't produce right away. As of now, only the little guy and myself like them so a handful would suit us just fine at first.

I would just love to have a corner of my yard producing blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. We had a raspberry patch when I was a kid and I loved it! I would be in heaven if I could get a strawberry patch going like Durgan has....but I think our winters may be too harsh for that....but I can plant a nice patch every year....I will try and see if I can get some to come back every year. I know my Granny had strawberries that came back on their own every year....but it wasn't a big patch. She had them growing with some flowers and such so that they were hidden a bit from the birds.

Just too much going on this year. Going to get as much in as I can and try for a later harvest and get some stuff in, like garlic, that needs to be planted in the fall for spring.

Thanks so much for all the advice. I really appreciate it!

[Missy]

I agree with everyone else, call your extension office. But also look at plants at the nurseries, those can go in the ground. as for seeds, get some for fall planting, other wise look for some with short maturing times. Good luck.