Starting seeds, questions from a first timer

[anomaly13]

Last year we started a garden plot and filled it with horse poo. I want to start everything from seeds this year but have been reading a lot about avoiding some brands connected with Monsatno. Anyway, if I get seeds from a company off the good list can I save the seeds from the vegetables I grow with those seeds for next year?

Any books or websites/blog I should check out or any tips for my first time? I plan to keep it simple but would really love to garden year round, we live in zone 7. From my understanding veggies like potatoes, onions, and carrots need a long time in the ground before they are ready to be harvested, can I keep them in the garden over the winter?

We are getting chickens once it warms up a bit as well and will be composting with worms too. I think we will start a second plot and put the chickens over it for this season and then switch next season.

Lastly I must say I do love the frugel tips thread. I am def. going to share split seed packs with my SIL to save us both money and possibly buy wholesale for the price break and then try and sell the leftovers at the flea market of on craigslist.

[TheGirls]

If you get a variety that is open pollinated, you can usually save the seeds. Some veggies are easier than others in that respect.

As far as over-wintering (leaving veggies in over the winter) you can do it with carrots - some varieties are particularly good at that - but not potatoes. Potatoes will not survive a frost. In zone 7 you have plenty of time though. And keep a few potatoes somewhere cool to plant next year. I don't know about onions, I'm doing those for the first time this year.

[LiLeon]

Onions cannot be left in ground either. They should be harvested when the shoot dies back.