New SFGer in Far West Texas

I am a new SFGer in far west Texas. I have had vegetable gardens in the past but not for 10 years or so. Since I am now retired and have more time and have moved out of the city, I have decided to start a small SFG with two 8'x4' boxes using Mel's mix. This is my first SFG so Mel's book has help me immensely  I already started my broccoli from indoor grown seeds and spinach directly planted. I plan on planting okra, beans, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, lettuce and peppers with the proper time is here. I had to build a fence around the garden because of the many critters I have here. I live on a mountain at 5700 feet. Deer and an ugly beast called a javalina are everywhere. Wind is also an issue in early spring so I added a removable wind guard and stack pallets on the fence to minimize the effect of the sometimes 40mph winds common here.  I also designed and built a watering system that was cheap and easy consisting of a manifold of 3/4 inch PVC delivering water to 1/2 inch PVC drilled every 6 inches with small holes. I hope you approve of my garden and I look forward to participating in this forum to help me make my garden a success.



This is a javalina. A very ill tempered beast with large tusks.

Super Dave,  Welcome to the Forum!      You have the book, built and planted in your boxes, and erected protection.  You have done an excellent job!    Two suggestions: keep a journal and take pictures of your journey. We love to see photos!

PS Kind of a cute critter if it didn't have tusks, destroy gardens, invade your space, etc.

Hi Dave.  Welcome!    

Looks really nice!

 A lot of work put in already and against great odds.  Good luck to you and   
I must admit I don't like the sound of your javalina. You can keep him (or her).
We only have black bears, deer, gophers and moles and a few other small critturs.

And don't forget raccoons, squirrels, possums, & chipmunks!  (Had a chipmunk who thought he could set up an apartment under one of my blueberry bushes last year.  At least until I put the plastic snakes out...!)

What next??? Checked the garden this morning and saw a covey of quail milling about . Seems they have a taste for the young broccoli seedlings. Looks like I'll have to build a chicken wire barrier of some kind. Plants will probably pull through but I may have quail for dinner tonight

Oh, dear!  That's good to know.  I know we have some quail around here too.  Thanks for that update...!

great pictures. Your setup is awesome!!! Thank you for sharing.

SuperdaveTex wrote:What next??? Checked the garden this morning and saw a covey of quail milling about . Seems they have a taste for the young broccoli seedlings. Looks like I'll have to build a chicken wire barrier of some kind. Plants will probably pull through but I may have quail for dinner tonight

If you do get some quail to eat, I think you have to hang them because they are a game bird, you do not eat them fresh.

Looks like you've got quite the protection system. I've hear about javelina in AZ but never seen a picture.