New to the forum

[Daniel Cummings]

I have had Mel's book for at least a decade. We moved to central Michigan seven years ago and I am finally jumping back into a vegetable garden. I want to use the garden as a learning project for my 4th grade daughter.

My challenges include: soil 90% sand. I will be building raised beds and making a soil mix. second challenge is the local deer population. I will have to completely fence off my garden from moles, rabbits and deer. I am going to war against the local wildlife in order to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of my labors.

I also want to create a small orchard with dwarf trees.

I am hoping to learn from some of you and enjoy the great taste and satisfaction of growing my own veggies.

Dan in Michigan.

[camprn]

Dan to the SFG Forum! I have a suggestion...BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE, go to the front page and on the left side are a few threads you should take a look at. In 2006 Mel changed quite a bit in the way he recommends going about building the garden. Check out the All New Square Foot Garden book (2006).

[floyd1440]

Dan

I have the same issue with deer; there are 8-10 everyday when I get home.Started the SFG last year and had to build a complete fenced off area as the deer ate everything.

After building the fence and hanging deer mesh they have not bothered since and hopefully they will stay away. I should have built it larger though as they also eat scraps for my compost pile this winter but I am hoping they will move away from that in the summer.

You will find EVERYONE on the forum very helpful so ask any question....

[lonewolfrissy]

Hi, Dan! Welcome aboard!

I too want to start my own garden and orchard of dwarfs. I also have sand, wind, drastic temp changes, rabbits, birds, etc... but hopefully with the right stuff, I can get one going. I think a portable greenhouse would help.

[quiltbea]

Welcome to a couple of newbies. Its great to get started on an SFG. You'll be surprised at how much simpler gardening has become. Once you are fenced against the wildlife in your areas, and the beds built, its all much smoother sailing from there.

[Chopper]

Welcome. As stated the shape of your current soil matters not at all. Just build the beds and add the Mel's Mix as per the All New SFG and you are good to go. MUCH easier than the older book - engineers cannot help but keep tinkering and in Mel's case it was well worth it.

[januaryX]

I have had Mel's book for at least a decade.

Caution: You'll regret not reading the ALL NEW SFG book, copyright 2006, before you start.

[Windsor.Parker]

Dan,
Hi, and to the forum.
with januaryX and the others above.
I read Mel's earlier book, too! His ANSFG is indispensible.
Lee

[floyd1440]

Dan

I agree with Lee concerning Mel's new book. Had an old one too and did not use his mix the first summer. After getting the book I ended up shovelling out my old dirt and replacing it with Mel's mix. So I would get his book first and then refer to it as needed as he has made some good changes that should make gardening even easier.

[Daniel Cummings]

I took all your advice and purchased the All New version of the book. Even better than the original! I have started purchasing the soil ingredients and my seeds are started under grow lights.

I have an area in the back that was already fenced with 4 ft chain link. I will extend upward with 1 1/2" PVC and cover with deer fencing. Hopefully that works.

Fake spring seems to be over in Michigan, so the waiting continues.

Dan

[floyd1440]

Glad you got the new book. It is much better than the old one and I find it much more usefull.

I also have my seeds growing under lights and they are doing well. It is my first time and I had the lights to far away from my plants but now have them at the correct height.

My short coming is thefact I did not compost prior to starting my garden as it is VERY hard to find 5 different types of compost to start the first season.

Live and learn...........

[tabletopper]

Welcome .....from Chula Vista, California........8 miles from the border.....can grow veggies here all year long....Lucky Us.....

You will get lots of good help here......Ruth

[Sponsored content]