I am a Minnesota transplant as well, where did you come from (what zone)? I gave up on vegetables since I didn't have the needed sun, although after loosing a tree I may now. Flowers now there I am doing just fine. It took a lot of research, I have found that using Prairie Moon nursery for native plants as well as other sources for natives has helped a lot. There is really many perenals that work well here. There is a U of M web site that I have used time and time again, see below.

The people on this web site have been great, it really helps to ask the questions for a specific condition ie part shade, soil etc. The owners of nurseries are a great help, and the books on Minnesota gardening are great. Try your library. I have been so pleased with all of the help I have gotten. But do ask specific questions. You can ask as many as you want and you will get the help.

Here is a link that might be useful: web site for MN plants

Have you had a soil test and determined what type of soil you have? A lot of folks had poor tomato performance last year, and peppers are in the same family, but cukes generally did well. So I wonder if your soil's too heavy or lacking in some important nutrients. I grow my veggies in raised beds because of the clay soil in most of my yard.

Since I don't know your level of experience or where you moved to MN from, it's a little hard to offer specific advice. I sure don't want to offend you. Zen... is right, people on this forum are really giving of their knowledge. Welcome to MN and here's to a bumper crop this year!

Welcome to the forum!

Minnesota has zones 3,4,and 5? It would be helpful to know in which zone you reside. If you are not sure about your zone, a general location....like southern, central or northern Minnesota would be helpful.

Like others have said.....ask all the questions you want. That is what makes the forums go 'round.
Jan

Again- Welcome aboard!
You should be able to get many different answers to any questions you ask- as there are so many different types of gardeners here- But the number one thing I can think of to help you grow better plants- of any kind- is to improve the soil!
Adding composted material and manure will improve any soil- wether you dig it in deep with double digging or rototilling- or add as a topical layer and count on the worms to drag it down deep- any way you choose to add these valuable "soil supplements" will greatly improve your plants health and vigor! Weather you choose to send in a soil sample to find out exactly what your soil is comprised of or not- improving the soil with compost and manure will help.
In my black/sandy loam- I find adding peat also helps retain moisture and friability which retards the hard dry concrete feel that my soil is prone to-
In my sisters clay soil- she adds much more each year- she tills in a green crop of winter rye every spring and layers the compost and manure thickly! She has greatly improved her gardens soil by adding so much - it really looks and feels and acts nothing like the clay she started with.
You can look to the compost or soil forum to learn more about those areas- they are interesting places to visit.....
I find that googeling about a plant will help me learn what it needs/wants to live well. It also helps me to determine just where I can put the plant in my yard due to it's sun needs- And well- I am not a great waterer- and if it is close enough to see it wilt- um- I am better at watering it......
In my experience- which is limited, comparitively to others here- giving your plants the basics- good nutrient rich (usually) loose, soil, with room for the roots to spread- and enough water and sun- the plant will take care of itself-
I do hope this helps to answer your question and frustrations with gardening here- Improving my soils structure sure has helped me!
Julie