Help! I missed the springtime.

[Shels]

So, I've been looking up all the ingredients and fruits that I use most often (kale, spinach, strawberries, chard, etc), and everything I want to grow is supposed to be planted in the springtime!

I know virtually nothing about gardening, and what I do know I learned in central California. Does anyone have suggestions for things that I can plant now (or soon), in southern New Mexico?

P.S. I'm in a small apartment, so my planting is limited to pots on the back balcony (as the front porch is covered in cancer from the neighbors), so nothing too big please. :o

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[Onelittleram]

Weeeeeeeeeeeell, I know next to nothing about gardening, but if I were in your position and I wanted to garden badly enough, I'd just go ahead and do it, springtime or not.

If it works out, fantabulous! If it doesn't, at least now you'll be better informed come next Spring:)

[CathyA.]

Agree. I think you should be okay.

[DebB]

You may like to check out growingyourgreens (http://www.youtube.com/user/growingyourgreens), John Kohler on YouTube.

I've learned so much from watching his videos. He has vids on container gardening and also gardening on small apartment balconies. *Ü*

[Shels]

Hm, thanks guys. I will definitely take a look at those videos. :)

I'm a little reluctant to plant things out of season though... "before the last frost" and temperatures in the 90's are pretty drastically different. I am starting an avocado pit and some dates pits though! It'll be a long process, but I'm excited about growing them.

[DebB]

You can always call your local county extension office and ask to speak with one of the Master Gardeners. They're usually a wealth of information! *Ü*

[k8sl8]

Ditto the previous suggestion. AND the Master Gardeners are all volunteer and absolutely GREAT.

Also check out garden clubs in your area; they often have spring sales and you could get plants suitable to your area, usually at a very good price and you'll be supporting the garden club as well. Different varieties really do better in different parts of the country.

You'll probably find that depending on what "climate area" you live in - it may already be getting late for some of the cool crops.