Out of curiosity, where in upstate NY? I visited somebody at Cornell and it's beautiful there. How much shade? I think Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) is probably the best choice for upstate New York in sunny areas. For shady areas, a fine fescue mix would be better. If you have a mixture of sun and shade, you'll probably want to plant KBG in the sunny areas and transition to a mixture of KBG and fine fescue and then all fine fescue in the shade. If you google "Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Selections" you'll find a variety of resources to pick good cultivars. I don't think there are as many choices for fine fescues. Some people have reported good results with the Bonny Dunes mixture.

There are no stupid questions. The times on seed packages is a guide line, not written in stone. Yes if you started them earlier they would bloom earlier. When they say 4-6 weeks early that means that the seedling will be big enough to plant out then--that is why they give you the bloom time too. It depends on your preferrence. Some people like to set them out before they bloom to allow their roots to settle in before they have to expend energy blooming. Others like them blooming.

First, let me stress that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. Everybody has to start somewhere, and there is no shame in being a beginner. Now, as per your actual question. There are very few vegetables that are unsuitable for all areas. Some, it's true, will be stressed and aren't the best choices. Brandywine tomatoes, for instance, aren't the best bet where you are. Corky beans might not be a good choice either. But in general that isn't a problem. If you can grow a veggie type where you are, then most heirlooms of that type would be suitable. They might require a period of adjustment, though. That is, it might take two or three growing seasons for them to achieve their full potential. What really counts are your growing conditions. You have heat and humidity contraints that many of us do not face. So that can affect what you grow, and when you grow it. My recommendation would be twofold. First, get in contact with your nearest Extension agent. He/she is the best resource you have as to when and what to plant. Second, start small with your garden, and expand as your interest and knowledge grow. Biting off more than you can chew just leads to frustration. I would also consider joining a seed saving organization. The two that come to mind which would serve your interests best are SSE (Seed Saver's Exchange)and AHSC (Appalachian Heirloom Seed Conservancy). You can, through both of these, get in contact with other growers from your region who have experience in what grows best under your conditions. These folks might even be able to point you directly to Louisiana heirlooms (such as the Rouge et Noir cowpea). The Southern Seed Legacy project, at the U. of Georgia, would also be a good resource. I don't have the contact infor for the SSL, handy, but you can find it with a search. SSE can be reached at www.seedsavers.org. And you can contact AHSC at KentuckySeeds@hotmail.com. Hope this helps.

Hello edensdarkpoet, Sometimes the plant will send some roots above the surface of the soil to enable more oxygen to get to the roots and for additional sampling of the above soil atmosphere...unless the soil is particularly wet or if the container is very small and the roots have become potbound...I would just allow the plant 'do it's thing'... Happy gardening(!)... TTY,... P.S. If you enable your GW mail,this will allow for an additional communication options...