Thanks Lee Ann for inspiring us to get outside and try something new!

How do you know what Plant Hardiness Zone you live in, and why is this important?
Zone maps are readily available online, like this one at USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. You can find your area on the map or enter your zip code to quickly find the zone or range of zones for your garden. Zones refer to typical minimum winter temperatures in your area. Look for the zone on labels for perennial plants to gauge how likely the plant will be to survive the winter in your garden. 

The zone from the map is a general guide. Any given garden can have a range of climates that may extend or decrease a plant's ability to survive related to its zone rating. For example, the minimum temperature experienced by plantings right next to the home will be different than for plants in a more exposed location. Available snow cover also makes a difference.

Oshkosh is currently described as zone 5A. However, plants rated to zone 4 are generally very safe selections for gardens in Oshkosh. 

What should you take into consideration when planning your plot’s location?
The most important thing to know about location is to match the plants to the light, moisture and space available in your location. There's some plant out there that will grow and thrive in whatever kind of condition you might have in your garden. Where folks get into trouble is by planting a plant that is poorly matched to the actual growing conditions on site.  

Here are some questions to think about when assessing your site:

• How many hours a day does the location receive sun?
• Are those hours in the softer morning sun or the intense sun of the afternoon?
• Is the sunlight full and direct or filtered by overhanging plants like trees?
• What is the typical rainfall for your location?
• What is the proximity to supplemental water? 
• What is the type of soil on your property?  (The type of soil affects how water is held in the soil.)
• Is the location in a low area in your yard where water tends to collect?

Of course, you can do some things to alter the growing conditions in a location.  For example, you can 1) provide irrigation for a location which does not have enough moisture;  2) improve the condition of your soil so that it holds moisture better;  3) plant into a raised bed in a low lying area with poor drainage; or 4) mulch the surface of the soil to help keep moisture in.

What are a few must-have tools for beginners?

• Shovel and trowel
• Gloves for the gardener and something on which to sit or kneel makes the work easier.
• A nice hose-end sprayer or well-balanced watering can.
• Garden scissors for cutting anything from small plant material to thin wire.
• I like to use an old serrated kitchen knife for weeding and dividing plants.
• Gardens may need plant supports depending on the type of plants grown - stakes, cages, trellis, plant ties. 
• Gardeners growing perennial or mixed borders and trees will want a nice pair of pruning shears (to cut small diameter woody plant material) and loppers (to cut larger diameter woody plant material).

Which vegetables are good for first-time gardeners?
Any of the usual vegetables available at local nurseries would be suitable for beginning gardeners. Some plants, like beans, grow readily from seed and can be sown outdoors when the time is right (refer to directions on the seed package).  Other plants, like tomatoes, are better started ahead of the outdoor growing season here in Wisconsin, and beginners will find more success working with plants rather than seeds.

Both seeds and plants come with instructions from the grower. For beginners, these can take some of the guesswork out of gardening. Instructions will tell you how deep to plant and what temperatures the plant prefers, along with its light and moisture requirements.

One challenge for beginners, I think, is knowing when to plant. Some plants tolerate or even like cooler weather and can be planted in the garden in late April/early May. Other plants, like tomatoes, like warm weather.  These plants should not be planted outside until danger of frost is past.  

When and how often should you water?
Watering in the early morning is usually recommended. If possible, apply water directly to the soil around the plant rather than spraying the leaves. Watering once deeply, is better than watering small amounts on a more frequent basis.

How often to water is, of course, one of those questions where the actual answer is "it depends." It depends on the kind of plant, the available rainfall, the type of soil, the air temperature, etc. Observing the soil can give you an indication about whether water is needed. If you squeeze a handful of soil and it holds together, there is a good amount of water is the soil. Soil that is cracked, dry and dusty probably needs water, depending on the plants growing there. Wilting, especially early in the year when conditions had been cool and rainy but have just now heated up, does not necessarily mean the plant needs water.
The Farmer's Almanac suggests these guidelines for typical vegetable plants.

Can you recommend additional resources?
There are oodles of wonderful gardening books at the Oshkosh Public Library in addition to the expanse of information available on-line.  Our community boasts several gardening groups like the Oshkosh Garden Club and Winnebago County Master Gardeners that serve as resources and provide networking with other local gardeners.  The Winnebago County UW-Extension offers publications, classes, soil testing, as well as personalized assistance through their Plant Help Line: Plant Help