I didn't see a garden advice thread for this year, so I thought I would start one. I'm actually seeking advice. I'm thinking about planting things and I hope it's not too late. First off, I live near Akron, OH, so that should give you some idea of what "zone" I live in (I hear that's important). Here are some questions I have:
1. I've really been wanting to plant some herbs so that I can just go out back and snip some off when I need something fresh for a recipe. I have oregano growing on the side of my house, some chives in a pot that the previous owner left, and some sage. I was thinking I'd like to grow some parsley, basil, rosemary, and anything else that would be fairly common. What is the best way to get started? Are there any herbs I should take special measures with (to prevent them from taking over my yard, for example)?
2. I'd also like to grow chilis, but I have no idea about when I should plant them and what kind and would I need to plant new ones every year. Any advice on growing chilis?
3. The previous owner planted blueberry bushes. I started throwing coffee grounds on them last year and they started really growing after that. Now I have the issue of keeping birds and other critters off the berries before they ripen. Any advice on that?