Semi-new gardener

Apparently, I haven't been on the forum for about 6 years! 

A lot has changed since then, plus, y'know, the world's on fire. We're hunkered down here in the St Louis area and it's bloody freezing out there right now, so it's time to dream about gardening.

I built two table-top gardens a few years back, 4x4 and about 4' off the ground. My mom lives with us and her knees don't do that bending thing anymore, so building them high makes it easier for her to enjoy gardening. 

They've primarily been herb gardens, which are lovely, but not much for actually putting food on the table. I've been making a list of veg that I regularly buy at the grocery store and pondering building a permanent raised bed in my back yard, rather than relying on the two table top gardens. Not least because they're not deep enough for root crops, plus, I've got several herb plants established in there and don't want to move them if I don't have to. 

This seems like a good time to start putting those plans into action, so I'm going to go snoop and lurk and read to see what I can learn. Thanks for having this forum available!

Welcome back, SusanTheWriter. I used to be that, too, but I haven't written anything in years, so I can't claim that title anymore.  

We'd love to see pics of your beds and progress.

Oh, I'm definitely still writing. I've published 8 novellas and short stories since then. (I had to go back and check.) The writing's the only thing that's been a constant. If I put in half the time I spend writing on my garden, I'd be able to feed the neighborhood!

SusanTheWriter wrote:Oh, I'm definitely still writing. I've published 8 novellas and short stories since then. (I had to go back and check.) The writing's the only thing that's been a constant. If I put in half the time I spend writing on my garden, I'd be able to feed the neighborhood!

I've been thinking a lot about writers, artists, and web designers. When stuck at home anyway, there's no excuse to procrastinate. Creative output could soar!

Hopefully. I know a lot of my writer friends are having an extra hard time right now because the stress is messing with us. Some are finishing projects, some are writing side projects, and some are just flailing. 

I got a few things done last week, but at a higher cost than usual. Hoping my brain settles down to work this week!

SusanTheWriter wrote:Hopefully. I know a lot of my writer friends are having an extra hard time right now because the stress is messing with us. Some are finishing projects, some are writing side projects, and some are just flailing. 

I got a few things done last week, but at a higher cost than usual. Hoping my brain settles down to work this week!

Yup, same here. I should be painting, knitting, working on my websites, but here I sit, staring off into space. I'm all caught up on gardening tasks, however.

Hi, Susan, welcome back to the Forum!

Most of my beds are table tops, but only 2' tall, with about 6-7" of Mel 's Mix. I grow almost everything in them. For long root veggies, like carrots and parsnips, you can add a top hat and fill with extra MM.

As someone mentioned, we love photos. Hint, hint.