My 2012 SFG Underway

This is my second year at the SFG. Last year I tried 3 boxes. Two 4x4's and One 2x8'. This year I added Two new 4'x8' to the mix. I also started very late last year around end of May and used mostly starts. Prior to last year the only thing I had ever grown was the hair on my head, so I have been learning a lot as I go.

This year I converted a closet into a grow room and have started everything from seeds. They seem to be doing very well. I have Three - 4' shop lights in there as well as an old computer that I turned into a server. The computer gives off some good heat and the closet stays about 78-82 degrees all the time. I run the lights on a timer and other than watering every now and then it seems very self sufficient.

It has been a very warm winter in SE Alabama and our average last frost date is about the first week in March. This year I built some hoops over my boxes and I'm gonna cover with 6 mil plastic and create little green houses and get everything planted early.

Thanks for all the great info on the forum.

Here are a few pictures.











This should be a link to last years pictures if anyone is interested.

2011 SFG

Your 2011 garden is wonderful!
What an ingenious idea about the closet! We've got a spare room that we only use if we have a litter of puppies (for mom and babes) that I've built a seed starting shelf unit into with lighting. We can regulate the temperature in there, and there is a box fan for air circulation. It's working well for us.
Look forward to seeing what your 2012 garden brings

Thanks Curio

I forgot to put up pictures of the closet. It was very impromptu and I already have plans to change it but I'm gonna wait until this batch goes in the ground.

It is not pretty and kinda reminds me of the movie Poltergeist when the closet goes after the kids.



The lights are hung on chains so I can raise them as the plants grow and the server computer is just on a small shelf next to them keeping it nice and warm.

Your garden boxes look great! I am starting seeds this season too for a change. WE have had such a mild winter, so I am really hoping to get a good head start on the season. I added a big more top soil and compost 2 days ago. Hoping to sow seeds and put some cold weather transplants in mid to late March. The placement of your server is an excellent idea and use of excess heat energy. Have a great season!
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Wow...great looking gardens