i have these plants to trade.... carrion cactus african violets in multiple colors....there will be at least 4 different plants. stromanthe echeveria topsy turvy thanks. no need to email if you aren't interested.

Check with your state's Extension Service. Each county should have it's own Cooperative Extension Office which provides free publications and information for the asking. They will have valuable vegetable/gardening tables available specifically for your area determined by universities and horticultural research scientists who have collected data from growing those crops in your state. Your tax dollars are already paying for this service so you may as well get some use out of it. Vegetable Planting and Planning Calendar for Missouri (download the pdf) complete with spring and fall planting dates (underneath the spring planting dates for appropriate crops), how much to plant per person, etc. They can also tell you the average last frost date for your area and ideal planting times for specific crops and varieties in your area. See how detailed this example is:

Seeing as how one of the (normally) easy crops has fizzled, I would trash everything and start again, but HEY, that's just me. I guess that is due to my initial experiences while growing shallots (newbie - 2 years). First, buy seed stock that is from a reputable source. Stuff from grocery stores often has been treated with "growth inhibitors" to prevent sprouting so the shallots remain saleable (and eat-able?). Hmmmm. I got my original "seed stock" from one of the "big" mail order companies. I received first year "rounds," 3/4" to 1" length. Planted each year at (or close to) March first here in zone 6A and have had two good crops. I used the smallest leftover cloves of the previous years' crop as my seed stock. Hey, it seems like ther is no bolting if you do a spring (vs. fall) planting. I get sizeable bulbs, usually 4-7 on a finished plant. The soil has been worked with compost and is crumbly if dug with the fist - high organic content, yet with enough clay to hold some moisture. Hope this helps you.

I would be grateful to know the spacing in inches, that you consider "much too close" for your shallots, and what you tried in 2011, and your results. I'm about ready to put some in my EBs. Thanks! >Posted by dancinglemons 7B (My Page) on >Wed, Oct 12, 11 at 3:39 "Just thought I'd give an update. I planted the shallots last fall (2010) in my EarthBoxes. They overwintered great and gave me some nice shallots in early June 2011. I planted them much too close so the shallots were not good size but in a few days I will plant for 2011 and they will be a better spacing. "