Greetings From Rolling Meadows, Illinois

So... I began my foray into SFG very innocently. A friend of mine gave me two cherry tomato plants as a birthday gift last may. I had been looking at YouTube videos as the pertain to self watering containers. I fabricated one from a 12 gallon storage container and used Mel's recipe as the growing medium.

Within 2 weeks the plants doubled in size and inspired me to plant cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, edible soy, strawberries, lemon balm, eggplant, watermelons and cantaloupe in similar containers. All with good success.

A lot of the garden was 'proof of concept' to examine what would grow for me in this area of the country. (I'm located in Rolling Meadows, a northwestern suburb near Chicago).

Through the summer I was able to fabricate raised beds in preparation for next seasons growing season(s).

I've fabricated five 2X8 beds, one 4X4, one 2X14 with integrated rain barrels and a fifteen foot continuous strip of deck potting running along the top rail of our chain link fence. I also constructed a 3X3 on rollers from deck scraps left from a repair project last year. In all I will have north of 160 square feet of planting available to me next season. Plans are in effect to construct a portable greenhouse from pvc to hasten next years spring season with some seed starts and potted starters.

In total I have approximately 400 one foot squares to plant in. The challenge will be to plant and grow what will benefit my family, friends, neighbors and me.

Dadoo, you sure have expanded you SFG quickly!
So glad you found us and we look forward to hearing more from you as you plant, grow and harvest.
Definitely want to hear more about your 15 feet of deck potting. Many people are limited to growing on their decks, patios or fences. I have a couple of planters that straddle the rail on my porch and would like information about other ways to accomplish better usage of my railing and the fencing too.

WOW! Busy busy and good to go. to the forum. THere is a lot of good info here. The search feature is very handy, but do not hesitate to ask questions.

Welcome from California! got any pictures?

Wow, Dadoo! What a wonderful start on SFG you have made! Can't wait to hear what you will do with it this fall and next year.

Look out for the lemon balm. I grew some about 8 years ago and it went wild on us. I've been ripping out little "friends" ever since.... Sad part is the stuff that went native doesn't taste lemony anymore.

Garden Angel wrote:Welcome from California! got any pictures?

Same here. After your description I am dying for pictures.

Pictures for sure !! Maybe we need to call you the Square Yard Gardner !! You will be able to feed your family and then some !! Or ....wait.... how many family members?? Welcome !!

Thanks for sharing. It sounds as though you are well started. Can't wait to see photos.

Welcome to the forum.

Most of the pictures have been taken with my cellphone and those are not the best of quality. They focus on the various styles of containers and or economical design for the area of the yard they are in. Hopefully I can take some pics this weekend and post a few.
Thank you for the great welcome.

Welcome Dadoo

Welcome, you will love the forum.