New Gardener Here in S. New Hampshire

[beltzeratorjh]

Hi All-
I am a new gardener looking for some advice. I live in Southern New Hampshire, near Peterborough (if anyone lives near or knows the area). I have grown herbs in the past, but with success limited to basil, chive, and mint (I am assuming they are difficult to mess up).

I am hoping to put in corn as well as a vegetable patch. I know very little but want to use heritage varieties. If anyone can suggest good sources of general info and/or particular varieties that are good for the area that would be great.

Thanks so much!

Chris

[wolfcub]

Welcome Chris from Mid Vancouver Island This is a great site and I am sure you will enjoy it here Marj

[aer]

Hi Chris -

I love that part of the world; I spent many summers working in Temple, NH (and off-nights doing my laundry at the laundromat in the mini mall in Peterborough). I miss some of the things that will grow there, too!

I'm not sure of the proper etiquette here about recommending vendors, but I've had good luck with seeds from High Mowing Organic Seeds (based in VT). They first test every new variety on the farm in VT to make sure it will do well in that climate.

Are there any local farms or CSAs that can recommend varieties, or that have a plant sale in the spring?

[extremegardener]

Welcome Chris!
I'm not too far from you (NE Vermont), though definitely in a colder zone.
Fedco is a dynamite source of seeds and the information in their catalogs is superb - and fun to read. They're very much geared for northern New England.
High Mowing and Johnny's Selected Seeds are also NNE based and oriented. High Mowing has field days thoughout the growing season that are really fascinating and fun - details at their web site.
Also there's a small seed seller fairly near you (Hartland VT, near Hanover NH) that grows all their seed right in the Upper Valley - Solstice Seeds www.hanovergardens.org/2010/02/02/solstice-seed-catalog/
Nice collection of unusual varieties well suited for your area.
I blog about my gardening and seed-saving activities at www.theextremegardener.com

[mnjrutherford]

Lots of good places to get seed from. Many right here on the forum. Last year one member, MJC I think?, put together an extensive list of resources for seeds, hatcheries... I think he even did some gardening supplies? I'll try to find it and put a link to it for you.