Question
We live on the long island sound in stamford ct and want to have a vegetable
garden.  The spray sometimes comes over the sea wall - are there vegetables  
that do ok in this environment or conversely are there some I should not try to
grow?  Thank You

Answer
Gary:
First of all, I don't have any experience growing in your environment, so I can't really get too specific. I would suggest that if you have an extension service office in your area you contact them - they are likely to have a list of not only which vegetables will grow best, but which varieties do best as well.

Also, any local nurseries or seed sellers will have varieties suited to your area.

Beyond that, the location of your garden can play a big part in its success. If you have a protected area - one that gets plenty of sun but may have some protection from winds and sea spray - that would be a good place for the garden.

Cool-season plants will probably do well in your area. These would include lettuce, spinach and other salad greens; peas, the brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc); onions and root vegetables like carrots and beets.

You may be able to grow other things like zucchini and some tomatoes with the help of a cloche or tunnel. You can use spun-bond polyester or plastic to make your own - sort of like a mini-greenhouse for individual plants.

I probably wouldn't try things like melons or peppers, at least not at first. It's also possible that you may need to amend your soil to improve its suitability. I would suggest finding a testing lab in your area and sending them a sample. A home test kit can give you information regarding the pH and the basic NPK needs, but won't tell you if you have too much sand or salt in the soil.

Hope that's of some help!