So I have a bit of a confession to make…. When we were searching for our forever home, one of the things on my “must have” list was a long driveway. Not just a long driveway but space at the end of a long driveway for a small backyard garden type vegetable stand. Nothing big, just room for maybe a small table with some sort of covering to put our extra garden produce out for peeps in the neighborhood to buy during the summer months. No fancy signs, no advertising, just sort of a hey, I LOVE to grow food, and well, we can only eat so much. Here’s an honor box, if you like what you see and want to take some home, cool beans.
Really, my only goal is to re-coup the money I spent on seeds and supplies, anything extra, would be a total bonus.
Because I am starting from scratch, this years vegetable garden is going to be a 45′ x 15′ double dug plot. I’m hoping to have the ground dug and ready to go by the end of April… That is, as long as the ground isn’t still frozen. I don’t know when people in the Northeast usually plant their peas, but if I can get those in a little sooner {and covered}, that would be nice.
My 2019 garden though, it’s going to be much larger. The idea is to grow veggies in the 45′ x 15′ plot this year, and then in 2019 turn that plot into a flower, herb or perennial fruit/vegetable garden {strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, rhubarb, asparagus}. I haven’t totally decided yet. Luckily, the area where this 45′ x 15′ plot of land is, is totally fenced in.
Then, once I get the 45′ x 15 plot up and running, I am hoping to clear some land over the summer and fall for a more formal vegetable garden like the one I spotted at Mount Vernon. The only difference will be that in the center there will be a chicken coop {the shape of the garden may also be a rectangle instead of a square}. The HH doesn’t know it yet, but he will be extending the fence to protect the formal garden from deer.
So basically, I HAVE BIG PLANS for my new garden…. and I couldn’t be happier about it. I can’t even tell you {but I’m sure you already know} how much I’ve missed having a gigantic growing area {that’s not over shadowed by pine trees and peering eyes!} these past three years. I NEED dirt. I need WIDE OPEN SPACES…. I need not to look out a window and INTO MY NEIGHBORS KITCHEN, BEDROOM, GARAGE… I crave privacy, and the sounds of NATURE.
And this year…. I’m finally going to get it. 😉
So let’s talk about seeds, and what I plan to grow in my garden this year….
Tomatoes
Sun Gold Cherry {57 days} Our favorite cherry tomato
Artisan Bumble Bee Blend Cherry {70 days}
Red and Yellow Pear {75 days}
Glacier Tomatoes {55 days}
Green Zebra {75 days}
Black Krim {70 days}
Red Pear Piriform {78 days}
Cherokee Purple {80 days}
Oxheart {85 days}
Pineapple {90 days}
If I go off the the comments all the peeps from New England have left, I think it would be wise to wait and start my tomato seeds under lights at the end of March. Everyone has pretty much said that May can be pretty unpredictable so I’m thinking that if I plant the seeds March 31st, and then start to harden off the seedlings towards the middle to the end of May in the greenhouse, I should be able to get the tomato plants in the ground June 1st.
Which, with a little luck, I may just be able to harvest those 90 day pineapple tomatoes that we love so much. We’ll see.
Peas and Beans
- Super Sugar Snap {60 days} Pole
- Fortex Pole Beans {60 days} Pole
- Vermont Dried Cranberry {98 days dried} for winter soups
- Kenearly Dried Beans {90 days} for winter soups
I’m just going for the basics this year…. And seriously, who doesn’t love a giant bean teepee?
Roots
- Detroit Dark Red {60 days}
- Hakurei {38 days}
- Bolero Carrots {75 days}
- Purple Elite {75 days}
Corn
- Dakota Black {95 days} for popcorn
- Painted Mountain {85 days} for decorating
- American Dream {77 days} for eating fresh
I wanted to grow some sort of decorative corn so I could make a fall swag for the front door and the painted mountain variety should fit the bill.
Cucumbers and Zucchini
- Goldmine {50 days}
- Safari {50 days}
- Baby Persian Cucumbers {48 days}
- Telegraph Improved {60 days}
Eggplant and Peppers
- Aretussa Eggplant {60 days}
- Round of Hungary {75 days} Seriously cute!
- Early Jalapeno {60 days}
For the Chickens
- Bright Lights Swiss Chard
{Maybe} Kale
Pumpkins and Winter Squash
- Sugar Pie {100 days}
- Jack Be Little {95 days} For decorating the house
- Long Island Cheese {108 days} I LOVE this pumpkin so I’m going for it.
- Blue Hubbard {100 days}
- Waltham Butternut {100 days}
- Birdhouse Gourd {125 days} total pipe dream, but maybe if I start the seeds in the greenhouse early enough?
Sweet Potatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Blueberries and Asparagus
- Beauregard {90 days}
- Seascape Strawberries {100 plants}
- Victoria Rhubarb {3 plants}
I plan on creating an asparagus patch this year and planting crowns next year. There are a few raspberry and blueberry plants on the property so I’m going to wait and see what those produce this year before buying more.
Herbs
- Italian Genovese { days}
- Common Chamomile {60 days}
- Common Mint {70 days}
- Staro Chives {75 days}
If there is anything I missed, or want to buy as starts, I’ll just pick it up at the local feed store {seed potatoes} or farmer’s market.
I tell ya, there is nothing more exciting than a new vegetable plot. Call me crazy, but I am SO looking forward to all the hard work to come. Now, let’s just hope the proposed garden area isn’t full of rocks. 😉
Keep calm and dream on,
~Mavis
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Beth says
I am super jealous of the space you will have for growing vegetables. To think that this year’s 675 Sq Ft plot will be converted into an herb/perennial garden space and a larger plot built for 2019. I have 54 sq ft of garden boxes and 18 sq ft for my herb garden. I’m really excited this year to be adding another 20 sq ft to my vegetable garden, and thinking about how much more I’ll be able to produce with that space.
I agree, digging in the dirt is good for the soul and the reward is totally worth the work!
I will anxiously be awaiting your progress.
Laura says
No onions? I would add in some red, sweet, and white to use for green onions, and also some yellows to cook with.
Mavis Butterfield says
I was thinking about buying starts this year.
Laura says
Gotcha…this is seeds only. My mistake! Garden on…lol.
Cass says
For onions in the NE buy onion “sets”. Any garden supply store/farm store/grocery store will have them (produce section for the grocery store, if they don’t have a set up gardening section) I have only been able to get green onions from seed in the NE, but have harvested many huge, wonderful onions for storage from “sets”.
Like the others I am looking forward to your posts on your garden in your new location.
Paula says
So happy for you. We have taken a few trips to New England and we loved it. In Vermont, I drove with my friend to a farm stand that was just like you want. A coffee can was on the table. She bought veggies for dinner. I won’t forget it. Honesty. I also won’t forget the trip in May…it was so cold that my husband had to buy a wool coat. A Vermont wool coat that he still has years later. Grin. Have a great cross country trip.
And I agree with Laura…onions…look up Alisha Craig seed. Later variety, sweet but a good keeper.
E in Upstate NY says
Mavis, you are very ambitious for your first year there! If there’s something I’ve learned from reading your blog, you will meet all your goals.
Believe you did a walk around late fall, but you still may have some surprises this spring. For example, many older farms have horseradish planted next to the barn, location selected to help contain the root. You may have overlooked that plant in your walk around, or to prepare the property to be sold, it was cut way back to show the buildings better. Same thing for rhubarb. Have seen many farmsteads with a huge row growing way out back.
If there were fruit bushes there, there, most likely there are fruit trees. Before doing anything with fruit trees, check with your local cooperative education office to identify the tree(s). There is a big movement to identify old fruit plant stock and to harvest new starts.
Presume you know in which county you are going to be located. Check the cooperative education website for that county. They should have a list of known varieties which do well there.
Welcome to the east coast, and look forward to reading your experiences.
Mavis Butterfield says
I believe there are several fruit trees on the property {I know of one for sure} and I am VERY excited about those. I asked our realtor if the current owners would provide a planting map if they had the time so I’m hoping they are able to.
Ginger says
Mavis, I’ve heard you use the term “double dug” multiple times, but I’m a garden noob and haven’t a clue what that means. I looked it up, but I’m hoping you could explain it to me (& other readers who might also be wondering) what exactly you mean by it. Thanks so much! I’m SO excited for your new place and all the PRIVACY & FREEDOM you’re going to have. Woo!!!
Mrs. C. says
I agree. I garden a lot and have no idea what “double dug” means! Would you explain, Mavis?
Mavis Butterfield says
Here’s a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_digging and here https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/double-digging-why-do-it
Mrs. C. says
Thanks!
Mavis Butterfield says
Here’s a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_digging and here https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/double-digging-why-do-it
Sarah B says
I live in southern New Hampshire and
I typically don’t put tomatoes in the ground until Memorial Day weekend. Most of my vegetables, in fact, don’t get into the ground until around then. Peas are a touch and go thing. Sometimes we have an early spring…sometimes we are frozen well into April.
Patty P says
I agree with the Memorial Day rule of thumb. We are located in Central/Western New York. Anything before Memorial Day (tender plants) is a risk!
MEM says
I’m in Greater Boston and the Memorial Day rule is mine too. Plus, Mavis, in my experience, digging in April just gets you a muddy, compressed mess.
Miriam says
Jealous! I would love a large garden, but there just isn’t enough time (and mostly energy) between home renovations and getting pregnant. Perhaps I’ll have to live vicariously through your garden this year. Keep up the awesome!
Cait says
I’d love to know what your new zone is, since I think you are keeping the locale under wraps for now. I moved from 7b to 3b last year (NY to VT) and its a WHOLE new ball game. So far I haven’t gotten my favorite tomato to grow well (Mortgage lifter).
Sarah says
I’m in VT too! We have had some bad tomato years lately! The tomato blight 2 years ago was most depressing
Zoe says
I’m zone 4 in NNY and also curious as to your zone, Mavis!
RebekahU says
I am convinced we are long lost sisters, separated at birth…
Maria Huntsman says
Haha..i was thinking the same!! Lol
coleen says
Hi Mavis, I live in Pennsylvania, by the Delaware state line. I always go by my last frost date which is, generally speaking, Mother’s Day. We also plant our peas and onions on St. Paddy’s day. Hope this give you an idea of planting in this area………
Marlena says
I am so excited for you! My husband I just moved into an older home with land about eight months ago and discovered all kinds of plant surprises . . a black berry patch, grapes, a fig tree, asparagus, etc. Take your time and enjoy finding all the hidden treasures. Be sure not to dig until you are sure you are not digging up one of those treasures.
Don’t forget sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary! Welcome to the east coast.
ann in E. oregon says
Totally inspiring!!! Can’t wait to see what you accomplish. 🙂 I don’t know if you looked at Sarah from Western Maryland’s website (She was your first “Share Your Hobby” post), but in her Goals for 2018 post she shows a cart her husband made for selling their garden veggies. It’s super cute! 🙂
Sarah says
Memorial Day is when you put things in the ground here!
Eve from Ohio says
I am so happy for you. I can’t wait to read all about the new place, the chickens, and the garden. I loved the year you grew 1000 lbs of vegetables. 🙂 2018 will be a great year! P.S. I love everything you do!!!
karen says
Did you buy your forever home? I must have missed some posts. Where did you end up, as far as which State did you pick?
Alison says
Your enthusiasm is infectious. I will live vicariously through you while managing my little 1/2 acre lot that I am slowly converting to edible landscaping.
Pauline in Upstate NY says
Mavis, you are my winter squash kindred spirit! I believe there is no such thing as too much winter squash; my husband, in the other hand, gets tired of tripping over them, knocking them over, etc… can I help it if the best place to store them longterm turned out to be on the kitchen floor next to the stove on an exterior wall?? I often grow butternuts (yes, Waltham!), used to grow Blue Hubbards, have now given it up since they are HUGE and there are only two of us here now. Remember those jokes about people locking their cars in zucchini season? You should see the neighbors’ faces when you roll up to the door with a wheelbarrow full of 20 lb blue hubbards… (They grow really well planted in the same plot as corn.)
Susan says
I live just north of Boston and put most plants around Memorial Day as well. Last year, we didn’t start getting ripe tomatoes til well into August. Waa! My sister lives in Vermont and has an amazing garden. Yes, the growing season is a bit shorter but the sunlight is longer so it’s a really INTENSE and prolific growing season.
I also recommend the site Growing Wisdom http://www.growingwisdom.com/ It’s done by David Epstein, the meteorologist for the Boston Globe and local NPR station. He’s also into horticulture, so has some great videos and articles specifically about gardening in MA and Southern NH.
Again, for local New England info, I used to love Carol Stocker’s Gardening column in the Boston Globe (she was gardening editor). She would give weekly advice about what to do that week. I believe she retired a few years back, so no more column but has a great almanac-style weekly NE Gardening book https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Illustrated-England-Gardening-Almanac/dp/1572438711
My mantra for gardening here: Hope Spring Eternal. Some years are better than others (and don’t get me started on the deer and other critters — man!!)
Em says
I hope the sellers can give you a planting map!
KC says
With fencing, there’s anti-deer fencing (8ft chain link; if it’s much shorter than that, there’s a good chance they’ll jump it if they figure out there’s a good reason to jump it) and then there’s anti-rabbit/groundhog fencing (buried 10″ or deeper into the dirt to discourage burrowing under). It might be useful to figure out which kinds of hungry critters your fencing will keep out, as it’s much easier to keep them out before they’ve figured out there are tasty things in there than to keep them out after they’ve feasted once or twice.
Our community garden had the deer fencing around it, which worked for deer, but each plot needed anti-groundhog fencing installed (3ft above ground, 1ft below, more or less) if you wanted to keep all your plants, because the local groundhogs had very much figured out how to get under the anti-deer fence, at many different points, into this tasty wonderland of tidily-kept produce, and could munch multiple rows of plant starts in one sitting. (this happened to my community garden neighbor; 30-some plants, munched down to the ground in one night)
Hope it all goes well!
AlysonRR says
I had a friend in Maryland who completely enclosed her garden in mesh, with a corner/center pole sturdy scaffolding. They buried hardwire cloth beneath the whole thing, too. Pretty extreme, but she lost a lot less after the installation.
Kristen says
Hey, Mav. Am I a dorkis because I don’t know what a double dug bed is? Can you enlighten me? Thanks!
Em says
Will you be able to have a greenhouse?
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
I haven’t caught up on your blog in a while I guess because I had no idea you moved east! Where are you now? I’m in the NY Capital Region- Troy, which is right across the river from Albany. We’re zone 5 here and the rule of thumb for planting most things is Memorial Day. But that’s not hard and fast by any means. Just sort of a general rule for when most things can safely be transplanted.
Kathy says
I am so looking forward to hearing about this year’s garden experiences! We are in northern central Vermont. Nothing much happens before Memorial Day. For us the ground is generally too wet to plant in April even if it has thawed. I’ve been playing with soil sprouts for salad greens this winter and came across a comment that you could plant out pea sprouts/shoots. I am going to try it as it may solve the germination problem with planting peas too early. My plan is to mulch them well with straw after planting.
Tricia says
Thanks for the link to chamomile, planning on adding this to my garden this year. I think you can never have enough berries. I have blackberries and blueberries they are hit or miss some years. I am going to add raspberries this year. We live in Eastern North Carolina so we start quite a bit earlier. Looking forward to reading all about your new adventures.
Linda says
My grandfather, born in 1893, who lived in central Maine all his life, planted peas and potatoes March 17 every year so my grandmother could have new peas and new potatoes for dinner on her birthday which was June 24th. Isn’t that romantic?
I’m really happy for you. It’s fantastic that you are buying what you want for a forever home. I hope it is everything you anticipate in every way. (I do wish you’d clue us in a bit more, but I’m sure you have your reasons.)
Mavis Butterfield says
Very sweet! The biggest reason is privacy for the current homeowner. We don’t own the house yet, so to be posting pictures of it and going into too much detail just isn’t cool in my opinion. But as soon as I get there…… 🙂
Chelsea says
As an fyi, the fence you saw at Mt. Vernon will not keep deer out. You’re going to have to go eight feet to stand a chance of keeping them out. Eastern Whitetails are a totally different critter from our Blacktails we have out here in WA.
Also, I don’t see any cruciferous crops on your list. You may want to give them a try out east. When I moved here to western Washington I had to give up on all cole crops because I couldn’t keep the cabbage worms out of any of my brassicas. The hard winter freeze kept them manageable back east.
Mavis Butterfield says
I plan on picking up cabbage and Brussels sprouts and broccoli at the farmer’s market, or wait until fall to start it from seed.
Claudia says
We had a problem here until we went to Cenex( the local feed store) and the woman we talked to said build one fence and another one 3 feet out from that. Deer have no confidence in jumping a double fence I guess.its 4 feet high and has worked well so far,,except the night we forgot to close the gate,l
ol.
Teri says
So happy for you! Love your enthusiasm coming back again! I did catch “greenhouse” in your post; is it already there or are you putting one up?
Mavis Butterfield says
Already there! It’s a small one, but it will do. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sue R. says
RE: asparagus
We have very heavy soil and asparagus doesn’t like that so much. We made narrow, tall raised beds/boxes and planted in those. It’s worked great!
Mavis Butterfield says
I think I’m going to build beds as well. I’ve heard that is the best way to grow asparagus. How many crowns did you plant? I’m trying to figure out how big to build the box. Do you think 25 is enough for 2-3 people? Or should I plant more?
Sue R. says
I think we planted 12 (?). My opinion is that 25 is plenty adequate for 2-3 people–with some to sell at your stand. My husband says each of the two boxes is 2 ft wide and about 8 ft long. I love the fronds after the plants are done bearing for the year and they are such a lovely golden color in the fall. As an aside–I grew up in MN where we grew LOTS of tomatoes and corn to sell at a roadside stand. My sister and I spent many hours sitting at that table–a perfect job for 10 year olds!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you Sue R!
RebekahU says
Mavis – How do you protect your squash and pumpkin plants from squash bugs? I garden organically, and I have lost the battle three years in a row now. I’ll normally get one fruit, and then the squash plant completely dies from squash vine borer, and same thing with my pumpkins. I normally get about 20 plants started, and out of all of those plants, only get one, buggy pumpkin. I KNOW there is a secret out there – and I just do not know it yet… Please share if you know the secret!
Mel says
I’m sure Mavis has better ideas, but I’ve found Seminole pumpkins (Baker Creek sells seeds) to be quite resistant to borers and powdery mildew. They can tolerate squash bugs if they are established when the bugs hit, so we start them under covers. They will root in multiple places along the vine, so they can sort of “outrun” borers, but the vines are also just super tough. We also paint the unhatched squash bug eggs with nail polish so not as many hatch.
RebekahU says
Nail polish is an awesome idea!! I will give that a try. I will also try that seed variety. I’ve had the most success with pulling the eggs off with duct tape, but as soon as I miss a set of eggs, I’ve lost the battle. Thanks so much!
Rajena says
Somewhere I read to burn the eggs of the squash bug with a lighter. I used to use duct tape but it took FOREVER due to them always laying their eggs next the the veins and I would end up with holey leaves from it. So now I burn them, enjoy the small popping sounds, and may possibly be laughing an evil maniacal laugh at the same time ;P. I also go out after dark with a flashlight on occasion (okay maybe every night for awhile once they are spotted) and spray the adult bugs with a dishsoap/water solution. I’m sure the neighbors think I’m a bit on the looney side, lol.
But the best year we had bug wise was the year I had let about 25 chicks roam the garden for 3ish weeks in the spring before planting. So if you can borrow some chickens or get some of you own I would say that is the easiest method. Good luck in your endeavor!
Claudia says
I will sure miss your local posts as I am in Lakebay.So happy for your new plans,I look forward to reading your blog in the coming months.Sending you happy thoughts and a thank you for your daily emails.I am probably older than your mother but love your stories .( I save the shampoo bottles and soap too,lol)
Angela W says
Thanks for the hot tip on the Zaycon order for Chicken breasts….I can’t wait to process it. It gives me time to prep and prepare for freezer meals. I got the offer and it worked!
Robyn says
Mavis- double digging is a LOT of work – look into lasagna gardening. Also look at Ben Hewlitt’s books and Beauty That Moves websites for more info. I think you will rock because of your amazing go-get-er attitude. I’m loving that you are following your dream! I will continue to follow your adventure!
Practical Parsimony says
When did you move?! I have been ill and just have not read posts like I did before I was so ill. The flu was really debilitating.
michelle says
so jealous! can i come life with you…. pretty please. your garden will be amazing and so much fun. best of luck in your move
Indio says
I was so excited when I read about your house plans. It’s going to be hard leaving your fam on west coast, but we are looking forward to having you on the east coast.
Is HH retiring, getting a new job or able to work remotely?
So where I live in coastal CT, spring planting times differs based on weather you have a valley where cold air can settle or is exposed to wind. Even in my small garden, I’ve noticed differences if it is near the wall to the shed. At the mount vernon garden, they had all those fruit trees espaliered against the brick wall because it retained the sun’s heat to keep the trees warm at night. I usually put a cut off one liter bottle over the tom plants to keep them protect if I plant around Mother’s day. This way I don’t have to do the whole high tunnel set up.
I’ve had a huge problem with squirrels dining on my fruit trees so I usually wrap them with mosquito netting instead of taking up squirrel hunting. It looks as if I have ghosts protecting my garden.
I used to grow a lot of rhubarb but donated plants over the years in my plant swap. You need to use a lot of sugar when cooking with it and we are trying to cut down on sugar intake. Asparagus is another crop that I’ve gradually removed from veg beds. I use it for greens in flower arrangements, because it is hard on your kidneys if you eat too much.
One thing you might consider as you expand the garden is to add medicinal plants. Check out the photos from this farm http://fieldapothecary.com/ I really enjoy tincturing, drying and using homegrown herbs in soaps and creams. The kids know automatically what to use if it is a bee sting, burn or cut on the knee or where to grab an herb in the garden to make it themselves.
I also have a tea herb garden. I love tea as much as you do. I have 4 different kinds of mint, chamomile, tulsi basil, lemon balm, etc. When I make my daily pot of tea, I go to the shelf of canning jars, with the dried herbs and scoop out the combinations that I want into the tea seeper.
Kathy says
Sorry, Mavis, I have been out of the county for a few months and am just now catching up on all of your postings. Just wanted to know…is it official? Have you moved to New England? I used to live in Foxborough, Mass, but would travel to to other parts as often as I could. Love Newport and Providence and Maine particularly Kennebunkport and Portland. You will love it. I miss it New England so much.
Janet says
Mavis, the package art on the tomato seed packages is a thing of beauty. You could almost empty them and frame the packages! Happy gardening.
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree Janet! They are beautiful.
Lauren D says
Good luck Mavis! Welcome to New England!
I’ve put my tomatoes out early – in good years and warm springs, pay attention to the weather and soil temp if you have a good app that helps to look ahead. You can cheat, I’ve heard, by putting down black or clear plastic to heat up the soil and row covers for a little while… but sometimes New England just doesn’t do tomatoes. 🙁
I put peas out at the end of March if it’s been a moderate spring, my local farm store says st. Patrick’s Day, but I don’t like the risk! My biggest nemesis here is wicked unpredictable weather and critters – woodchucks and voles – so maybe the Puggle princess has her garden work cut out for her too.
Lee Reich is in your zone and has a blog and talks of tomatoes and blueberries and fruit trees and no till gardening! I highly recommend – after the pain of double digging I followed his garden advice and it’s solid and works.
Dream onward!
Robyn says
Mavis- I’m sure you are familiar with Fedco- it seems to be the seed etc catalogue of choice for the north east coast. Take a gander if you haven’t already! Bon chance!
Robyn says
Also, all books by Eliot Coleman in Maine- fantastic information!
Judy Johnson says
Susan, we got tomatoes very late almost every year too here in CA mountains, and hubs picks them before first frost and puts them in big brown paper grocery bags, keeps them at coolish room temp with the tops rolled down. As they ripen, he moves them from bag to bag based on color. The last bag produces rich dark red ripe toms with a very concentrated flavor. Some are a slight bit wrinkled but those tomazins are my favorite. We often still have fresh tomatoes for Valentines Day! They are small as they of course get no bigger once picked, but are tasty. If their skin gets nicked you have to pull and use them right away or they will rot.
Todd says
Please post a map of your garden plan. How many rows of this and that? How much space in between? 🙂 I want to plant your garden in my yard!
Peggy says
Wow, your garden sounds like it’s going to be wonderful! 🙂 The Fortex bean is a fantastic bean, and I have a hard time finding it, so I’m glad to see that Botanical Interest’s carries it, it’s truly a wonderful bean all around. I don’t know what part of north east your are moving to, but here in southwest PA, zone 6, the gourds and pumpkins do well. I plant them in June and have fruits that I pick usually after the first frost, light frost that is, a hard frost can damage the flesh. I’ve grown Luffa’s here, but start them in a large paper pot I can sink into the ground, and that’s the longest season crop I grow, it’s really a more southern plant, but I love them. 🙂 I don’t know how you feel about peppers, but Purple Beauty is the most amazing and sweet belle, and paprika peppers are amazingly sweet fresh and dry to a smoky and mild flavor, so delicious, so different from what you buy in the store. Goodness, there are so many great plants out there, I’m happy you’re getting to get out there again. 🙂