Hello from SE Coastal NC

Hello from Wilmington NC....just noticed a couple other posts from members in Wilmington and other coastal areas of our great state.

Girlfriend has been after me to plant a garden....did a little research, bought the book, read it a couple times over, and well on my way to my first SFG. Going to start small this year with one 4x4 box and a couple of small concrete planters and see how it goes. Got my Mel's Mix all together and into the box last weekend in between rain storms. Our local plant sales start get fired up in about two weeks and toying with the idea of starting some seeds this weekend. Havent really come up with a plan of what I will plant and where....but shooting for a few tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, chili peppers and basil....nothing too fancy.

Picture of my box full of mix...grids are in place and sort of hard to see. I used 300lb test monofilament fishing line crimped across the box from nails in the frame. Fishing is my first love...and I have yards and yards of line and other tackel just laying around....figured it would be sort of cool to incorporate it into another hobby!

And that's Maggie, my black lab.

I love to see more coastal gardeners. Have you checked out Progressive Gardens on Oleander near the Exxon Station before you cross Bradley Creek. They have a lot of organic gardening stuff and will give you a gallon of compost tea on your first visit. My other favorite spot is the Farmer Supply on Oleander near 16th Street. I was able to get all my mix items except for 1 compost which I picked up at Lowes (or was it Home Depot).

Glad to see your first bed ready to plant. A lot of things can go in right away. I'm betting that when you find how easy this method is, you will be adding more. BTW, bugs are a big problem in our area. I have had good luck with wedding veil tulle over 1/2 pvc pipe hoop. Joanne's fabrics carries it.

Again welcome.

Kay

Good to hear someone else has this problem...the no seeums or sand fleas as they are called are killing me again this year even when I wear DEET while gardening....any help in this area?

Hey Macraig,

Lucky you! You are close to the spots in Wilmington I've already named and also Pender Nursery further North on Hiway 17.

Kay

BTW, I garden in both Elizabeth City and help my son in Wilmington. Just finished my beds here and head for his house next week.

I got nothing for ya on the no-see-ums....just learned to tolerate them somewhat over the years. Luckily i dont welp up very bad when they bite.

My box is getting going slowly but surely. Planted a couple squares with two types of bok choy...one normal and one baby variety....sprouts started to show last week. Got one square with sugar snaps that came up over the weekend. Anxiously awaiting the annual plant sale at Poplar Grove Plantation this coming weekend. I imagine my box will be going full bore this time next week....

I have always had luck using Avon's Skin So Soft to repel no seeum's. The bath oil works great, but so does the stick (looks like a stick of deoderant). The stick is less messy, but is harder to find. You also may want to try the insect repellant made by Burt's Bees. I haven't been around no seeums since I bought that, but it works great on repelling chiggers.

Good luck. I know those buggers can drive you insane.

Got a little carried away this weekend at the plant sale....had to stop at lowes on the way home for some lumber to build an extra 2x3 box to contain all the plants I bought! Luckily I had enough extra MM stored in buckets to fill up my new box and get everything planted. looking forward to watching it grow....