Best varieties for Pittsburgh area - Ask Extension
Hi,
I have recently moved to Pittsburgh and am looking forward to gardening in my yard this year, or in a community garden plot. I am wondering if th...
Knowledgebase
Best varieties for Pittsburgh area #166364
Asked February 08, 2014, 2:22 PM EST
Hi,
I have recently moved to Pittsburgh and am looking forward to gardening in my yard this year, or in a community garden plot. I am wondering if there is a list of recommended varieties of common garden vegetables like tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, peppers, etc. that usually do well in the Pittsburgh area. I used to garden further South, so the varieties I am used to, might not be what is best here. Thanks!
Allegheny County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
The vegetables you mention will grow in most gardens, but you should choose varieties with shorter maturation periods and increased cold hardiness. The Cornell Extension (New York) has an website that recommends vegetable varieties for northern gardens as well as excellent growing guides: http://blogs.cornell.edu/horticulture/vegetables/
You can also extend your growing season by using row covers, cold frames, etc. Your local Master Gardeners can provide you with information about frost-free dates and growing conditions in your county. Check the web for how and where to contact them: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening
These sources should help you get started with your new garden. If you have any other questions, feel free to write me again and I'll be happy to help.
You can also extend your growing season by using row covers, cold frames, etc. Your local Master Gardeners can provide you with information about frost-free dates and growing conditions in your county. Check the web for how and where to contact them: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening
These sources should help you get started with your new garden. If you have any other questions, feel free to write me again and I'll be happy to help.
