ridiculously new.

Hi! I'm new to the forum and also a new homebuyer . My whole family gardens.. so you'd think it'd just come naturally to me. I guess being away from my big back yard has let me forgotten absolutely everything about gardening. I'm not even sure of the difference between annuals and perennials. Any information you'd give a beginner.

Some info about my future gardening..

I live in Maine. I don't even know what zone that puts me in! My house has a river running through the fairly immediate back yard. Is there a way to test the acidity or how well things will grow? The ground is still covered (read: BURIED) with snow,.. so I know nothing about the quality of soil even. What I do know!, is that I want flowers (the kind that come back every year!), maybe some vines that'll grow up the side of my deck/fence in the front yard. I'm not a big fan of evergreen (THERE'S SO MUCH UP HERE!) but I would be open to suggestions of something that doesn't quite resemble a pine tree. I also want veggies!

Since I'm new plants that aren't exactly high maintenance would probably be best for me to start with. I plan on starting them off indoors in a 'container garden'?

Hopefully I'm not throwing so much info that I'll get nothing back but I'd really appreciate suggestions, input and as much advice as humanly possible. Maybe somebody who lives in Maine or a similar area would take me under their wing. Thanks guys!

Dear new...(nothing is ridiculous)...

First thing, when the ground thaws and you can dig...do a soil test. In Michigan our Extension service will perform this for a very minimal fee. If they don't do this, they can tell you who does. Follow the directions of how to take a sample and tell them what you plan to grow in the area. If you plan to grow different things like veggies and flowers in different areas...do a soil test for each area. The response coming back will vary by state, but usually includes the type of soil and what your soil is lacking to grow the plants you indicated. It also usually includes fertilizer recommendations. You can use this information when you buy plants. Nurseries will understand if you say you have a sandy loam soil.

Second, you must learn what your zone is. Google under USDA Climate zones. The map will help you determine what you are...and then only buy plants suitable to your zone (unless you plan to move them indoors when it gets colder).

Your Extension service is a huge benefit for beginners. They are set up by county all over the nation. Use them or lose them as cutbacks in county budgets are hurting them. They have TONS of free or very cheap pamphlets and people to answer ALL your questions. They are the best resource because they are in your county and know the soil, weather and plants that work. Find out where they reside (usually in a county complex or university)...and camp out with them. They will have brochures on perennials (plants that come up yearly) for your area....how to start a garden...how to fertilize...how to deal with pests...the WHOLE enchilada.

Now, if you really want to learn...sign up for a Master Gardener class. This is a program that involves teaching and then volunteering in the county to get certified. You will learn as much as you put in the effort to learn...and the access to experts is invaluable!

Good luck and welcome to gardening!

Sandie Parrott
RSBirdy@Comcast.net