My DH and I love to garden. Last summer we but in some raised beds. A good friend of ours gave os several loads of composted garden soil. We had great luck with our garden. I too save the seeds from the flowers at the end of the summer when they are dry, put them in plastic bags label and have seeds to plant the next season. Went outside yesterday and can you believe it, spinach is growing so is parsley, thyme, and sage. I've had petunia flowers come up from last year. Orange cosmos, zinnia, marigold and nasturstium (wrong spelling) grow easily in our area. WE live in new york state in Ulster County. If you can purchase perrenials they will save money in the long run. See if you and your neighbors can share. Have fun.