Definately grow peas. I think they're good for the dirt.
I'm terribly fond of tarragon. And my marjoram seems to want to be a perennial, though it shouldn't for my zone. Ditto for the greek oregano, which seems to like me better than the italian variety. Maybe the heavy influx of peat that made weeding less of a chore has also kept them warmer. Not sure, but it's working so I'm going to stick with it!
I am envious of your earlier planting times. I so want to be out in the garden but I've got another two months before I can even consider planting safely. My spawn want me to plant a fruit tree, but I've never done that before so I'm hesitant. Gonna have to read up on it. One thing I know I'm planting again is sugar snap peas. They never get past the pod stage because I harvest them for stir fry.
I don't know how squirrels feel about it, but the rabbits around here hate lavender. I've got it planted around my garden. Of course, it might just be the big old barn cat sleeping in the middle of what he believes to be his private estate that keeps the rodents at bay.
Influx of peat? What part of the world are you in?
Rosemary is pretty nice, if you like cooking with it. I do, and I've found that in the ground is oh so much easier than fussing with it in an indoor pot. We grew "Arp" at our other house, and it rapidly grew from a 6" start to a 3' bush in 2 years.
Epazote looks interesting. How much water does it need?
Epazote? Not a lot so far. I'm growing it near the southwest corner of the house, so it gets lots of trapped heat and reflected light. The true water test will be this summer, of course.
Basil and tomatos is a sure sign of God's love; it's also good in salads. I like different kinds, standard (??) and the lacy purple Venetian varieties.
Still got more than a foot of snow in Hartford; I, too, am envious. And peach trees: dayum! WTH am I doin up here again?
I'm in Illinois, and the influx of peat moss (should have been specific, I guess) was my doing. I was using an old tractor wheel that my brother in law kindly took off the fence for me. I like the pie-shaped sections and a round herb garden really makes me happy. I had to dig a new spot for it and the best place was covered by very diligent grass. I wanted to tilt the bed so it got the most sun, so I built up the area with topsoil and peat - and accidently put in too much peat. Turned out that the herbs really, really liked that. We already have magic dirt here, so I don't usually mess with it, but the ease of pulling weeds in very peaty soil has me contemplating using it more often. We had a drought last year and the only garden that survived well was the herb garden, so that also recommends repeating my "mistake." The flavor of those herbs was far stronger than I'd gotten before. Not sure if that was because they survived the drought or because of the dirt mix or just a happy accident.
I waxed lyrical on your victory garden post - but let me say to all you happy gardeners out there - hope the upcoming season rocks! Last year I planted several kinds of berry - cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, currants – the gooseberries wouldn’t take. I am anxious to see how they’ve fared over the winter. The weather’s been schizophrenic – so who knows what made it through. Anyway – good luck, and good gardening!
Rosemary is nice and it never dies back here in Central Texas. Also, cilantro, so you can make your own fresh salsa and pico de gallo. Just make sure the seeds(corriander) don't get too widespread, they'll take over the next year. If you have room, it's awfully fun to grow loofah or other gourds. I like the birdhouse and dipper gourds. I really must start gardening again.
Peas are good for the soil: they add nitrogen and are what's known in organic-speak as a "heavy giver".
Mmm, peaches ...
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