First ever attempt at SFG

We had a list prepared of materials to build and fill our box (es). Luckily, we went to the nursery first, to see how much the Mel's mix would run us. Our luck continued when we saw a 4x4 kit with all materials included! Hours of labor just vanished. THEN we were introduced to premixed Mel's mix, more hours of labor vanished!

I couldn't believe our luck, or how popular SFG seemed to be in this area. So with no need to head to the home improvement center, we headed home. And no kidding, from opening a kit to having the dirt filled is I promise you less than 20 minutes.

The prepping of the area took longer. Glad I didn't try to grow anything in that Carolina Clay



Then after box boxes were finished, we realized we didn't want to have to kneel in mud every time we gathered up our plentiful bounty, so a trip to the home imporvement center was indeed necessary for these huge tile things to stand and kneel on. Plus we have a lot of birds in the area so we made a rudimentary bird keep out thing with a net.







Then finally we put some lettuce and spinach, carrots, and strawberries into just 2 weeks ago. we were worried we might be late with the high temps of this winter, but we could no longer sit there and look at empty raised beds that we had put in place weeks ago. I'm not the patient type, so I don't know if I can handle got growing something even in the Winter.

They did not look very good a week later, but since then they have really seem to come around.

Here is the day we planted them.



And here they are 2 weeks later, they clearly seem to like Mel's mix.



Can't wait for summer, and I'm not sure I've ever said that before lol.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations, things are looking wonderful

Welcome to the forum. You sure did good with your shopping around to get your boxes started and even with a pre-mixed MM in the bargain. Good for you.

Your garden is lookin' good. I know you'll enjoy the whole SFG experience.

Where in Raleigh did you get your pre mixed MM? What name does it go by and how much per sq ft. I haven't seen it in my area of NC yet or in the Wilmington area.

Kay