>since the subject is up, I was wondering if anyone closeby new when they >expect to plant. I'm in zone 5, hull, quebec, canada. Thanks..... Hi C-H'ers, I can't help much since I'm in USDA zone 7a, North Alabama (http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html?). The planting rule I use is that my plants never go into the ground earlier than "Tax Day", April 15 - this year it was April 17. Don't get in a hurry. As somebody on the list once said, "If you plant your tomatoes and peppers when it's wet and cold they'll just sit there and sulk." This page (http://www.climatesource.com/map_gallery.html) has several climate maps, one of which is "Mean date of last Spring freeze." The top of the page covers the US but if you scroll down you will find a few maps for W. Canada, Taiwan, Mongolia, etc. Unfortunately, they don't have "last freeze" maps for these areas. If you dig deeper at this web site they may have what you are looking for, or you can search the Web for "last freeze." I have flowers on my anaheims, serranos, tabascos, jalapenos, and various bell peppers. The habaneros still think its winter but they're starting to put on some more leaves. Luckily, I still have chiles in the freezer and a good supply of hickory-smoked chile powders from last fall. Before you get too envious, remember I live in the land of 95 degree/90% humidity summer days. Even though I use a soaker hose to water the garden (no water on the leaves) I still get mildew forming on my zucchini and cucumber leaves because of the high humidity and hot nights. Thank goodness for central air conditioning! -- Mike (C-H #36, hab seed intact) Carpe Capsicum! (My words, not NASA's)