We are about 50 miles from your MI location. `The vine crops will depend upon the variety. Melons would be out unless you are keeping your crops covered at night to hold in the warmth. Tomatoes and peppers, no Look for at least quart size plants. I really cringed last week when I saw someone buying a little six pack of tomatoes that I know will never reach full maturity. They are predicting a cooler than normal summer and an even earlier frost so all crops will need help this year. We are expecting a freeze again tonight so I brought all my plants indoors once again. I had to transplant the tomatoes and peppers yesterday which is really unusual as they were crowding their 2 gallon pots. I had thought they would be in the garden by now but the cold nights just won't go away. You need a minimum of 50 degrees at night to prevent blossom drop. GOOD LUCK

Hey KG!

An early welcome to MI

Normally, I plant tom plants (in Traverrse City) that are only 4" high and have no trouble having them reach maturity w/o a problem before summer's end. First mention I've heard about this summer being predicted to be "cooler than normal" -- but considering how erratic our temps have been so far, I can easily believe puzzlefan to be correct.

Back to your Q's:

I agree w/ PF -- its too late for you to start the majority of plants you mentioned from seed. Typically for seed grown crops, you want to start your seeds in early to mid April. The lettuce you can probably do and a cool summer won't be as big of an issue for that or other cool weather crops like sugar snap peas.

As far as your soil goes -- you are going to have to wait until you get to your new home before you'll really know. Michigan soils tend to be either quite sandy/gravelly or heavy clay. Whether the previous owners amended their soil at all will also make a difference. That being said, once you get your garden area prepped, it takes less time to do so in succeeding years. At this point I would say hold off on picking up any plants until you have a chance to get to your new place and can determine exactly WHERE the garden will be located & can examine your soil. (Btw, posting pics of the garden location might possibly also be helpful at that time.

Look forward to hearing from you once you get moved in and can really get dow to business.