What are your favorite varieties of cucumbers to grow? Best for pickling, best for slicing, or a hybrid.

Some people say February, others say March. Some even say April. So I am a bit confused. Does it depend on what you intend on growing?

I am looking to grow a few small crops for the summer. I do have a small grow light and can start a decent amount of seeds. I am just not sure if I should start them now or wait until March. I know they can't go outside until the last nightly frost is over.

What are some gardens that are worth the trip? I'm more interested in hidden gems than the big names like Longwood. For example, this little place in Rhode Island was a delight: https://www.sakonnetgarden.net/

Who else has lanternflies in their garden? Between them and the heat and drought, a bunch of my plants are unhappy. I tried reporting the lanterflies through the state form online but you have to include a photo. And those things are fast!! Too fast for me to get a picture, much less squish them. :(

What seed sources are your go-tos? I feel like I've ordered from every catalog or website at this point. Pinetree (superseeds.com) has great prices but I haven't had a great germination rate with them. I'd rather spend a little more for something that will actually grow!