I'm new to Vermont, and all the varieties of vegetables I've ever grown (first for Alabama, and then for southwest Texas) just don't work up here. What will make a go of it here in this cold, wet climate with acid soil?

-- Sunni (rjbk@together.net), July 09, 2000

Answers

If your soil is acidic you need to add agricultural lime. A bunch at first to shock the soil and then a bit each year. pH is not a good indication of the need for limestone. Try to get your garden up to 80% base saturation for calcium. You can get a soil analysis done for this on a special order basis (probably through your local ag agent). Ignore their analysis for the tons needed per acre, since it will be based on pH. Go for the 80% base saturation. Will probably require several times their recommendation. Once you get it there, hold it there.

A book I recommend is "More Food From Soil Science: The Natural Chemistry of Lime in Agriculture" by Dr. V. A.Tiedjens. It should still be available through Growers Chemical Corp. in Milan, OH. Cost will be about $20, but well worth it.

My neighbors said I over-limed my pastures. But then they also say something to the effect, "I wish I had the amount of clover in my fields you have in yours."

One truck load spread on your garden will probably make it several inches thick. That's fine, just rototill it in. Get the finest grind available.

-- Ken Scharabok (scharabo@aol.com), July 09, 2000.

Ask your neighbors - especially if you can folks that have healthy looking gardens. Or ask at the local store or nursery. You should be able to grow tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, beans, carrots - just different varieties than you're used to (hardier and faster maturing). And it's probably too late for this season - but you can get the soil ready for next year. A cold frame is a great help in getting started early in the spring. (I learned to garden in upstate NY - similar climate).

-- Deborah (ActuaryMom@hotmail.com), July 10, 2000.

Ask Jd what variety he uses. Countryside headquarters is in northern Wisc. with a short growing season.

-- Ken Scharabok (scharabo@aol.com), July 11, 2000.

Ask Jd what variety he uses. Countryside headquarters is in northern Wisc. with a short growing season. P.S. You can contact Jd at csymag@midway.tds.net.

-- Ken Scharabok (scharabo@aol.com), July 11, 2000.