If you are new to SFG......

This is the first year I've ever given gardening a try, and I've decided to go with the SFG method.

Buy the book......read it a few times.

Get involved in this awesome forum and ASK QUESTIONS.

But I think the most important thing is to ENJOY THE PROCESS. Because it WILL be a process. You may not locate all of your "ingredients" (if you've read the book you'll know what I'm talking about) in one weekend. BUt it is worth it. Go to different garden centers and have a look.....you'll find all kinds of ideas while looking for your mix. So what if you have to hit a few different places; leave the kids at home and enjoy yourself for a while.

Be prepared to change your plans...it'll be okay! in looking at my local nursery, I found that they have Brussel sprouts already started.....hmmmmm....I didn't have plans for that, but maybe I'll give it a try; why not?

The boxes take time, too. Give yourself a few days to plan, cut, stain (not necessary) and assemble. It is work, but for me - such pride involved in finishing.

The mixing of the ingredients takes time, too. It's actually kinda fun, and it looks and smells wonderful.....did I mention to enjoy all of this?!?

Don't worry if your grids aren't just perfect - there are so many ways to go about it......do what works for YOU!! This is going to be your garden.

Good luck, and ENJOY!!!

I wish there were a thank you button on this forum. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

new2this wrote:T
But I think the most important thing is to ENJOY THE PROCESS.
Good luck, and ENJOY!!!

Nicely said, new2this. So many of us get fixated on being perfect that we forget that the journey can be as rewarding as reaching our destination.

I long ago decided that I'm never going to have a "Martha Stewart/P. Allen Smith" pretty garden. I'm not into gardening to impress the neighbors (most of which are cows~the actual mooing kind). I enjoy every minute of the gardening process. The building of the boxes with the hubby: which usually includes some laughing, some mild bickering, and occassionally a few choice curses. The planting with the children: which usually includes joyfully watching Jiffy pellets expand and exclaiming "It's Magic!", Someone running away with my seed packet to play a game of keep away, and maybe even getting some seeds properly spaced in a square. The next few months are especially enjoyable...NOT weeding! And harvest is oh, so, enjoyable!

It is a message that can be applied to life, as well as SFG. I am trying to enjoy the process, but I didn't get to plant anything today, so I am impatient!