Hi from Southwestern Ontario!

Hi!

I'm new, but I have posted a couple times and haven't done this, so I thought I would. Not only new to SFG, but new to gardening in general and though I spend hours lurking on all kinds of forums, this will be the first time I actively participate in one. What can I say, I'm inspired! That and you all seem so friendly.   

So here's my deal. I'm a mom to two boys, two and a half and five months, and since this is Canada I'm on maternity leave till October. Feeding them has brought a new perspective on food, and starting a vegetable garden seems like a good idea in terms of our health and in terms of teaching them about our relationship with food and nature. Since I have the summer off and a toddler amazed by everything and eager to help, off we go.

I got the ANSFG book six weeks ago, and as a newbie had no idea I should have started my tomatoes before that day...oops! So I'll be buying those, and a couple others. I've done my best to gather the necessary supplies. Medium vermiculite was the best I could do, but from what I've read I got a good price on the big bag. Peat moss was easy. I did have to do some ordering, but managed to come up with composted sheep manure, forest compost, mushroom compost, fish compost, shrimp compost and a blend with worm castings, so I think I've met the mix criteria, correct me if I've not.

Tomorrow is our expected last frost date and according to OMAFRA (Ontario equivalent of an extension office I think) I'm in time to plant most of what I wanted, though as I mentioned, will have to purchase some of my plants. My husband built my single 4x8 box last week and we mix tomorrow, put on the grid, then start to plant! Planning on a couple each of tomatoes and cucumber, some beans and (mostly snap) peas, 4 peppers, basil, parsley, carrots and lettuce.

We'll see what comes! I'm super excited because all my planning will finally see some action tomorrow. I look forward to all the help I'm sure you'll share, all the beautiful harvest I'm sure you'll inspire me with, and grateful I found what seems like a very supportive community to set out on this adventure with! 

Cheers,
Kati

Hi Kati:
I think we are a nice bunch as well.
Lovely to hear that you are doing this for your little ones, it will give them a good start in life and let's hope they will carry that with them as they grow up etc.
I feel that it is vitally important that children are fed well, as the food that is being produced today by Big Ag and Big Meat is terrible stuff, and bad stuff has much more affect on small bodies.
Your MM is going to be pretty good and you should have a lot of success with it.
Keep us up to date with your progress. Pictures if possible.  

Kati,  Welcome to the Forum!      A year ago, I was not only new to SFG, but also new to gardening.  This site is filled with lots of information provided by a friendly bunch of folks. Please post photos of your progress. We love photos!   

   Sounds like you have a similar last frost day to mine.
Will be great to see your progress over the summer. 
I planted my peas as soon as the ground was workable, ...... beginning of April, and they are about 6 inches up now, despite frosts even in the past week

Janet