Hello from the High Desert, CA

Hello,

I have started my SFG this growing season in Victorville California. My dad and I built the boxes together and that alone has been a highlight of the process.

My dad and I built one 4X4, two 4X6, one 4X8 and one 2X8 along the block wall for going vertical. I am in the very early stages and fill a new box with mix every few weeks. I just filled a third box this weekend. I ventured into vermicomposting last year and will be adding this to the boxes as plants finish out. My main emphasis is on growing salad and stir fry fixin's along with herbs to feed our family of four along with a friend's family of two that has fallen on hard times. The fresh veggies seem to take a back seat when every penny counts and everything keeps hiking in price. Second emphasis is education as a family. One of my daughters seems interested in tending an area of her own.

My problem, so far, has been the HD (High Desert) winds swirling by the block wall and taking the mix out of that box as it dries out in the day and relocating it in places I don't want it. I have started experimenting with some burlap I already had on hand, over the top of the box.

I think that about covers the intro. Looking forward to reading through the posts, gaining insight and asking questions as I go.

Have the best day possible.
HDMama

use a heavy mulch like bark or outdoor carpet to keep the soil in place also keep it moist

I have been using pine needles as a mulch in my garden. They have been working great for keeping moisture in. Alot of people also use non Bermuda grass alfalfa hay. I don't like the small, so I don't use it in the garden area, but I do use it to mulch around my trees.

Hi and welcome! So great to teach your family about the garden, I have 3 little ones ages 6, 3, and 1. My 3 year old has really taken a liking to gardening, she always gets to plant the beans (big seeds) and she watches me plant other things, she remembers what we planted were and checks on things daily for new growth and sprouts, it's so cute, I hope the other two come around! I love that you are helping out your friends and I totally agree fresh veggies do take a backseat when pennies run low. Welcome and the best of luck to you, keep us posted!!

Thanks for the tips from AZ. I have a friend with a pine tree and I remember using that before in a garden at another home up here. It worked out well because the wind did not affect it too much but it could be lifted off really easily for new plantings. I will try that next then move to bark or outdoor carpeting if the wind lifts that off.

I too am thrilled my daughter is interested at 12. How fun your 3 year old to help out with the big seeds. I remember being fascinated with my grandmothers garden at age 5 and it began the whole thing for me. Who knows.

Thanks for the welcome.