Need some advice

[LovnMyBoys]

Ok I'm not completely new to this as we have had a garden for the pst two years but this year I'm hoping to do things a little differently.
I'm in zone 6a with last frost being then end of April.
We have always bought tomatos, peppers, and some herbs as plants because we haven't been so organized most years. We've planted our beans, peas, carrots, lettuces, and cucumbers and squash from seed. We did not have good luck with the peas last year as the birds ate all the beginning plants, our cumcumbers didn't grow well last year (but okay the year before) and the squash did not do anythng except take over the garden.
Our garden is approx 6x11 ft and is in full sun for most of the day. Dh did build a smaller seperate area to the side at the end of last season so I'm thinking that this year it will be out herb garden. I have typically done row planting.
So I'm ready to start planting inside if need be but I'm concerned about the amount of sunlight inthe area where we would put the plants. Also do I just go by the seed grow time to decide on when to plant?
Should I stick with some things going directly into the garden?
Oh and we buy the yummy organic colour variety tomatoes right now. Can I take the seeds from those to plant?
You'd think I'd never had a garden.

[FarmerCathy]

Hi!

What you have planted by seed looks good. I would continue to plant those you direct seed the same this year, the same time as tomatoes. End of May for you? Depending on the kind of tomato you got it might have been a variety that grows well in a warmer climate. I would personally go with something that does well in your area. You can call the ag extension office and a master gardener may be able to tell you what tomatoes that grow well there. Starting tomatoes inside by the end of the month would be good.

I'm not sure what you mean by seed grow time.

You can always cover your peas with netting until they are big enough.

HTH