gardening in the southeast

Coming from Maine, I've had a lot to learn about zone 7B gardening. I could never get my seedlings to grow or transplant well. So, I've transplanted the 'cold frame' concept from the north, only here it serves as a heat and bug frame. I build a planting box, slightly raised and filled with good soil. Then I cover it with clear plastic of some sort. It keeps the moisture in on hot days and keeps some pests out. You may want a partial shade cover as well to keep plants from scorching, and definitely vent the box regularly. Once the plants are well established, remove the cover or use it only when needed.