On Thu, 13 May 2004 15:08:17 GMT, Some Dude wrote:

Hi-

I am transplated from VA here to VT and am curious about the growing
season. I know its much shorter..perhaps up to two months..I like
growing peppers of which some varities take 120 days to harvest. Is
there a particular technique that Vermonters use? Seedlings in March
and plant in April? I know its a bit late but...Perhaps bringing some
plants indoors?

Any VT gardening tips appreciated.

Hiya and welcome to VT ---

April is a bit early for peppers here. The last average killing frost
is about May 10 - though most gardeners here will not put more cold
sensitive crops in until the end of May.

For longer harvest crops, many people start the seeds inside under
grow lights in April, move out to the porch mid May, and plant at the
end of May. Also, trying to find varieties that mature in less than
120 days would be a good idea. Most seed/plant stores here will sell
you the appropriate varieties for the area. September is still fairly
warm so you can generally get extend the season into mid=September.

One of the tricks is to find cold tolerant things to plant in April -
I will generally plant potatoes, peas, carrots, onions in April, and
start everything else inside and move out in mid-May to the porch, and
plant at the end of May.

Some people use outdoor growing shelters, basically a three sided box
up against a shed with a glass or plastic top that opens up - but I
tend to think it's easier just to keep things inside under lights
until mid May. It also depends on where you are in the state, you can
be a bit more aggressive in terms of when you plant if you are in the
Champlain Valley, which warms up a lot earlier.

Good luck --