Late Start to Virginia Garden

Question

We are not able to begin our garden in northwest Virginia until mid June. Any tips on the best things to grow and when (late spring vs. late summer planting) for maximum family food consumption for the year?

Answer 1

Other than the early crops, like lettuce and peas, you should be able to grow most other plants fine. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants actually will catch up to normal growth due to the heat if planted this late (but you can always simply place seeds in the ground now and let them fend for themselves until you are able to attend to them). Other plants like carrots, beans and radishes have a short enough season where you will not have a problem with getting a harvest.

Just make sure to work in some good compost or fertlizer to give the plants everything they need to grow fast.