Newbie in Oklahoma

Hello everybody,
I am new to SFG and looking forward to getting started. I have 2 boxes ready & will make the mix as well as start some seeds so I can start in spring. I am open to any help & advice you are able to give.

I think getting five different "types" of compost, not five different "brands" is tops! If you can make your own, that would be best. If you are buying it, read the labels. I was excited when I found a bag that said "mushroom compost". When I read the ingredients there was mostly fillers. I learned a lot by reading the compost topics. Go to the left column and type in "compost".

I had I think the original sfg book and I made the mix doing it the old way. I am trying to make enough compost to redo all of my beds.

Good luck and

Hi There Pink Roses, and Welcome!

Before I found this forum I read the book and followed the directions and had a fabulous first year garden in the summer and fall of 2010. Afterwards, I found this forum and it was a great way to get answers after gaining some garden experience. And find help with new questions and explore new topics. After you've been on the forum for awhile you can tell immediately who has read the book or not.

Please start with the book, All New Square Foot Gardening, by Mel Batholomew, edition from 2006 or newer if there was another printing. Even though you can get loads of great info here, the book will ensure you don't miss very important details. Your mix is totally crucial to your success.The book is solid, I grew plants I never thought I could grow, exciting stuff! So the best friendly advice I have is to read the book and Follow the Directions Exactly. I've seen too many people change the formula and then tell us the method doesn't work.
Doh!

Thanks so much! I read ANSFG last year, just didn't get started the right way............my boyfriend insisted topsoil was what I needed. I am sure I don't need to tell you how the story ended.
I now have ordered the book to to keep it handy.
I have a friend that has a small animal farm, so I can have all of the animal manure I want. Do you think this would be OK or do I also need other types of compost?
Also thanks for the info.....I read labels on everything, but it never corssed my mind that fillers would be in compost as well.