Some pointers for those who want to try their hand at planting a garden:

Some pointers for those who want to try their hand at planting a garden:

Growing season

The growth period for a sampling of fruits and vegetables from seeds:

Watermelon and cantaloupe are about 90 days; tomatoes, 80; and green beans about 51. Our region is OK for growing until about Oct. 15, when we get our first killing frost.

Prices

To find out the cost to plant a typical container garden, The Vindicator priced various gardening items:

Tomato, sweet pepper, cucumber, lettuce, watermelon, cantaloupe, cabbage and other starter plants, two to three per package: $1.39. Premier ProMix potting soil, 3.8 cubic foot bale (about 40 pounds, enough for about 10 pots): $24.99. Seeds of various types: $1 to $1.50 per package. Plastic pots, 2 and 3 gallons: around $2 to $3 each.

For help

Those who wish to till the soil and plant a traditional garden should call their county extension service office to get help in putting the soil into the proper growing shape. A $10 kit is available to enable the gardener to have the soil tested. For that and other information, call the Ohio State University Extension Service office:

Mahoning County: (330) 533-5538.

Trumbull County: (330) 638-6783.

Columbiana County: (330) 424-7291.

Source: Steve Hudkins, Trumbull County Extension Service