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Vegetable Gardening

I feel silly asking this, but going to ask just the same.

11 years ago

Is it too late to plant green beans, peas, beets, carrots, zucchini and squash from seed? Also, will I get a harvest if I plant the small tomato/pepper plants that left at the stores?

I've usually had my gardens in for almost 2 months at this point. I live in Iowa zone 4b/5a. We have had temps of triple digits all week, but look to be back in the 80s next week. We are in a drought, but I usually water with a hose when there is no rain.

Thanks in advance for your input.

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Comments (5)

zeedman Zone 5 Wisconsin
11 years ago
My 2 c's, as someone just North of you in Wisconsin.

For green beans, beets, and carrots, it's not too late. In fact, I planted pole green beans (Emerite) over the July 4th weekend last year, and got a great harvest. I prefer to plant carrots late also, it usually avoids the splitting that can occur if I plant them early. Beets might not grow to full size, but they should do OK as well... I am planting some this weekend, along with carrots & rutabagas.

It's actually a little early yet to plant Fall peas, but unless we get another heat wave, they should be OK as well. I prefer to plant my sugar snaps (Sugar Lace) in July or early August, since I get better germination & the peas ripen in cooler weather... which makes them sweeter.

Zucchini grows pretty quickly, so you might get some even planted this late - especially if the Summer heat continues. If some of our August nights turn cool, though, PM might put a quick end to them. If you have the room to gamble, it's worth a try... but if short on space, you might want to consider something more reliable.

The pepper plants probably won't have time to get peppers of any size, so they might not be worth the effort. Tomato plants still might bear, if they are an early variety... but keep in mind, blight often takes out late-ripening tomatoes, if cool/wet weather comes in.
AiliDeSpain
11 years ago
I just planted a new row of yellow zucchini since my row of cukes did not sprout and the seedlings came up in about four days! I was amazed at how fast they sprouted. I think you would be okay still planting zukes. I also last week planted a bell and tomato plant. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will produce. I was late in planting my garden as well. I planted pumpkin, yellow and green zukes, cukes and watermelon. The only ones that didn't come up were the cukes and watermelon. I planted first week of June and my plants are doing great. I say plant them and see what happens!
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t-bird
11 years ago
everything directed seeded on your list should be fine. The peppers and toms are a gamble, but if they're on sale - as they should be!!!! You might win the bet!

warmer than average temps this fall - I think that may be!
denninmi
11 years ago
A lot of stores are now putting spring plants on clearance. Maybe the OP can find larger potted tomatoes and peppers that are already of bearing size. They had roughly 2 gallon size plants at the Meijer store I was at yesterday, decent looking in fact and with fruit on them, on clearance for $4. If I wanted just a few at this late date, I would do something like that -- it doesn't take many peppers or tomatoes any more at grocery store prices to justify a $4 per plant cost.
Cricket_Love
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone! I truly appreciate all the input! I will be sowing and planting tomorrow!

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