Brownman- we are in the same zone and i just started- although i used mostly transplants this year. i figured if they were still selling it at the local nursery, i coudl give it a shot.

i also planted some seeds-radishes of course (even if you don't like them, i guarantee if you slice em thin, put em on white bread, salt em, and butter the other side of the bread, it will be one of the yummiest) sandwiches youve ever had.
also planted bolt resistant romaine, some spinach, spaghetti squash.
i transplanted lots of stuff too- tomatoes, corn, squashes and cukes, onions, chives, herbs, etc etc
do you have mel's book?

Hi Ireneo,
Thanks for the response, I do not have Mel's book but plan to get it soon. Is it possible to grow cantaloupe in our zone? Thanks in advance.

My first year was a late one too - end of June. Still managed to sow beets, radishes, swiss chard, bush beans and carrots. For tomatoes and peppers, I relied on starts from the nursery. It was the best year so far.

As for cantaloupe, why not give it a go? You've got nothing to lose except a square or 2.

Mel talks about this in his book -- start anytime. Right now would be a good time to plant transplants that like warm weather, like tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash and other herbs (I wouldn't try to start these from seed). You might try to find larger-sized transplants (not the tiny things in a six-pack!). You can also plant beets, carrots, swiss chard and beans (bush or pole) from seeds.

I'm in Maryland too, but I'm close to DC so I'm in zone 7. You can start planning your fall garden. You can plant lettuce, radishes, turnips, spinach, broccoli and all kinds of things for harvesting in Fall. I'm not sure about the timings of these, because I'm still researching the possibilities for myself. Oh, and I'm a new gardener too, so it's entirely possible I have no idea what I'm talking about. :)