Already Planning

[runner's high]

I've already begun my plans for spring and I have a few questions. (Please keep in mind I've never grown before.)

(1) What strains are good for New England? My home in MA is close to the water and there's a lot of granite in the soil. The particular place I'm looking at has sparse underbrush and light tree cover, all conifers. I'm not sure how friendly it will be for growing; I'll post a picture when I get around to it.

(2) We've had some long winters these past few years. Is late March a bit early to start growing?

(3) I'm planning a neglect grow. I won't grow in my yard no matter what, but do you think I should grow close to home (ie: within walking distance) or somewhere else in town. I live on an island and there's a big woodsy area in the middle, accessible by trail only but there are a lot of deer that I'm afraid might eat the plant. Whereas if I grew closer to my neighborhood that would be less of a risk.

Anyway, I'm just speculating about all this. I really have no experience with outdoor growing so it would be good to hear your thoughts.

[Spanishfly]

March will be OK as long as all frost has passed.

I start in April myself, simply because I like to have a bit of a rest from growing - it does put demands on your time, and you can´t easily go on vacation when there is a grow to tend.

[farmer boy]

Sorry I don't have a good answer for #1 until we see pix.


(2) We've had some long winters these past few years. Is late March a bit early to start growing?

In your latitude it likely is too early to put plants (or seeds) into the ground, but not to start them indoors in pots. You should consult a Farmer's Almanac (latest edition should be available in nearest public library reference section) for information on when the best time to put crops into the ground is for your area. You can also consult Local Climatological Data (also likely available at nearest public library reference section or online) to see last frost dates for your area for the past few years or so. I wouldn't put plants of any kind into the ground until threat of frost has passed.

You can however condition your seedlings by STARTING them in March and bringing them outside during the day and taking them in at night if this is a possibility for you. The wind will help stabilize the main stem and they'll be better prepared for going into the ground in late April or early May, which is likely to be the time for your area, I'm guessing.


(3) I'm planning a neglect grow.

Good way to start for noob, IMO.


> I won't grow in my yard no matter what,

Very wise.


> but do you think I should grow close to home (ie: within walking distance) or somewhere else in town.

As long as you've assessed your security risk for those areas first, why not? It'll certainly allow for more monitoring (I know, this is supposed to be a neglect grow)
and likely be safer (depending on your risk assessment) and less costly in the long run.


> I live on an island and there's a big woodsy area in the middle, accessible by trail
> only but there are a lot of deer that I'm afraid might eat the plant.

Niice! There are many different ways to deter deer. Here are but a few ideas:
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http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/sear...532394849807172

BTW, I am not affiliated in any way with any manufacturers or retailers of the above products.


> Whereas if I grew closer to my neighborhood that would be less of a risk.

Might be less of a risk to be eaten by deer, but more of a risk of being spotted by rippers or LEO. You'll need to assess that risk.

Good luck and green thumbs in '07.