+1 on the Master Gardeners. No matter where you are, if you're looking to start a garden, I suggest looking into the Master Gardener course. My parents have taken it in three different states and learned tons about where they were living and what it takes to grow things in those different places. A highly effective, practical course with both classroom instruction and hands-on teaching.
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A gentleman should always be able to break his fast in the manner of a gentleman where so ever he may find himself.--Good Omens