Garden HELP!!

Hi, I'm not sure where to post this really... maybe the lounge but it is about food so... :)

My husband and I just bought a house and I am very excited to have a garden and grow my own vegetables!  I'm hoping having a supply of them will force us to eat more veggies and get creative with preparing them.

As it is already June 18, is it too late to start a garden?  I have been trying to look online for answers but it is so overwhelming.  I'm hoping someone can give me a straight answer, and if it's possible for me to start one, what should I do and what should I plant this time of year?  (I already have a spot, chicken wire, and know I need to till the ground)  I am planning on getting plants from the farmers market.  

I can barely keep a plant alive so any basic tips for a beginer would be great!!! 

What state do you live in?  For some locations, yes it is too late.  For others, you might still have time. 

Do you have a plot already started?  If not, you'll need to consider purchasing a tiller, or hiring someone to dig your garden for you, and then you should ideally prep your soil.

Another option is a patio garden.  That just requires a sunny spot, some good pots, and hearty plants such as tomatoes, peppers, etc.

Check to see if you have a Cooperative Extension Service in your area.  If so, they have Master Gardeners on hand to answer all your questions and provide you with literature.  Another source for gardening is PBS's Victory Garden.

And finally..... don't overlook local Farmer's Markets for good fresh produce.  All the rewards without the work!

Sorry! I live in the twin cities area of minnesota.  It is getting to be around 80 but lately has been 60-70 and rainy.

I already have a plot, there were patio bricks on it that we took off and it is a perfect square of dirt- I dug a tiny bit and there is good looking black soil. 

Lucky you!  Go for it!

For Minnesota, you still have time to plant tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and the other standard bedding plants.  You should even have time to plant a few rows of green beans, sweet corn, indian corn (for decoration this Fall), etc.

I'm not sure, but I think for your area you also have time to plant some root veggies such as carrots, radishes, turnips, etc.

Here's a link to a great chart provided by the Minnesota Coop Extension.  It shows dates and provides other helpful information

Happy planting, and enjoyable eating!!!!

First key thing is, pick a location that gets sun from at least 10-2.  Any less than that and you'll have a hard time growing anything but greens.   The plants will grow, like tomatos and peppers for example, but will be small and produce very little produce.

Second, the soil.  I'm not from Minnesota, but for most plants you want a good, crumbly loam, and in most cases that means excavating out some of your existing soil and bringing in a mixture of topsoil, compost and peat moss.  Again, stuff will grow in poor soil, just not as well, with as much produce, and sometimes, none at all. 

Third, do some research on what grows best locally and on cyclical planting.  I grow spring stuff in the spring like greens, lettuce, radishes, spinach etc. and then as summer approaches, plant tomatoes, peppers etc. in between the rows of other stuff, so I don't have any space vacant.   As late summer approaches, I take out some of the other plants that are nearly finished producing, and plant the spring stuff again, or just plant it in between the rows of tomatoes, peppers, squash etc. 

Okay gotta run...duty calls...

Kaufmkk gave some great advise.  Might I add another thought to your gardening and weight loss goals.  Herbs can be a great addition to your garden, many are easy to grow, and can save money because herbs in the grocery store can be expensive.  I recommend Rosemary, Thyme, and Oregano.  These are easy plants.  Rosemary especially can be used all year around.  Bush beans (green beans)...possibly blue lakes are easier to tend to for beginners than pole beans.  Beyond that plant what you like and just enjoy it!!!  Good luck!!