Fall planting and other Qs

Hi all

A few random questions...

* Is it possible to plant a fall crop for peas and beets in 6a, and if so when should I plant?
* When should I plant echinacea seeds to bloom next summer? This fall, or should I start them inside early next spring?
* Do legumes (peas and beans) only add N to the soil when they are tilled under? If I pull the dead plants, will the N go with them?
* I need to eventually transplant some daylilies (just finished blooming), strawberries, and a few other perennials. Can I do so now, or should I wait for cooler weather?

Thanks all :)
pam

Good questions, Pam. I can't answer them, though. I will be following whatever info you get, as I'm curious as well.

Hi
I planted peas for the first time this year. From what I understand you can plant certain varieties midsummer thru late summer. The nitrogen in the roots has to be decomposed before it is beneficial to the soil. So if you pull them up, the nitogen goes with them. Hope this helps. I don't know about your zone. You would have to contact your local extension sevice.

here's a site with more info on the varieties:
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/peas1.html

Extension service specifically for WV:

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/homegard/index.htm

On the legumes, most of the fixed (who broke it??) N is used by the plant itself. It's a self-serving, symbiotic thing. If the plant is left to decompose, the dying foliage, roots and fruits will add a bit to the soil.

Daylilies are so strong, you can really divide anytime, though I tend to wait for a bit cooler weather. I would wait on the others until September.

Thanks guys! :)

pam