Any Gulf Coast gardeners here?

[MountainLaurel]

We just moved to New Orleans from Maine a couple months ago, and I finally have my beds ready for some veggies. From what I understand, there are two growing seasons here, so I should be able to plan something for harvest later this fall. However, the lovely lady at the garden center tells me it's too hot to put out most veggies right now. So, I'm hoping to get some tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, beans, and perhaps some beets planted in September. Does that sound about right for a fall harvest? If anyone has other advice to share about what grows well here, what to avoid, etc., I'd welcome it.

[BOSSHOG]

1. Hi ML and welcome to the gulf coast

We live 60 miles northeast of New Orleans across the border in Mississippi. I put our second planting of tomatoes and peppers and okra in two weekends ago. They do require more water this time of year but we have had success for years with a second planting. We also have great success with Hibiscus, Bougainvilla and Mandevilla blooming plants. Crepe Myrtles are great down here as well but require a little more room as a large shrub or a tree. Also, Dan Gill has a great gardening show on WWL Saturday mornings from 7 to 9 and he has a very informative newspaper article every Saturday in the Times Picayune Insert "In and Out." I hope you enjoy our summers. In no time (30 or 40 years you'll be acclimated.) Don't forget SATCHMO FEST the first weekend in August.

[MountainLaurel]

2. Thanks for the tips

We just planted a gorgeous bougainvilla in the front of our house, with variegated leaves and hot pink blooms. I'll be sure to look for the Dan Gill column. I'll look around for some plants so that I can get the vegetables in the ground: Mr. L put in a drip irrigation system, so we've got the water issue covered.

Unfortunately, we'll be trekking to WV for the mandatory family visit during SatchmoFest, so we'll have to catch it next year.

[BOSSHOG]

3. Some things to keep an eye out for

planting around and after Halloween is ornamental Cabbage and Kale. They add a nice splash of color to the landscape through the winter months. They are also edible but they are way too purty to eat. And Mums are very popular here through the winter months. The Mums will come back, their blooms die back and then come back when you least expect them throughout the year. Or you can just dig em up and pitch em when you tire of them. Garden centers will start stocking those plants most likely in September. You'll find you can enjoy the garden with new stuff just about year round.

You'll also find that there is a "fest" of one kind or another almost every weekend in New Orleans. Our favorite (amongst many) is the French Quarter Fest in Mid April. Lots of great free local music and incredible food. I hope ya'll enjoy the Big Easy.

[morningglory]

4. Winter gardening is a hoot: no bugs! Mustard greens, when picked fresh

rival any darn thing you can grow. Look up recipes for wilted greens. They are fabulous just steamed until changing color. I come from poor white untrash who lived through the depression on greens and good cornbread. Now I have found out you don't even need the piece of hog in a vegetable to dine like a king. Snow peas are a treat down here and will produce all winter. Oh, I am looking forward to what you do on the coast. Check out the Garden Web site for information on everything except politics.