New member, Novato CA. 1st timer!

New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · ds94947 6/11/2014, 1:07 pm

First time grower in Novato CA. I'm just now building my first raised beds after being given an entire second backyard. Hoping to slowly expand and grow as much as possible. Would love recommendations about what to fill these beds with. I get a lot of advice on types of compost, nutrients, etc but what I'd really like is someone to just give me a list. I have zero gardening knowledge and am looking for someone to lead the way to get me started. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Re: New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · **sanderson** 6/11/2014, 1:50 pm

DS, Welcome to the Forum! $glad you\'re here$ First recommendation is to get hold of a copy of All New Square Foot Gardening, 1st or 2nd Edition, by Mel Bartholomew. Do this before you proceed! study

It will totally change your idea of gardening and only takes a couple days to read. It covers everything from A-Z: size and construction of the raised bed, the fill (no dirt), compost, how to plan your plantings, trellising, etc.

Re: New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · **AtlantaMarie** 6/12/2014, 8:11 am

Hi DS. Welcome to the party!

+1 on Sanderson's advice. That's certainly your first step. And it will answer many of your questions.

Then - what are your goals for these gardens? Do you want to sell at a farmer's market? Sell to area restaurants? Home use only? Freeze, can, dehydrate, fresh eating?

Veggies & fruits only? Or do you want to grow herbs as well? What about medicinal herbs? Vining-type stuff or short to the ground? What can you trellis vs. not to save space?

THINK & PLAN before you plant!

Look thru the forum archives for info on different items. There's a LOT of great PRACTICAL info there.

Re: New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · **walshevak** 6/12/2014, 10:14 am

And is anyone in the family needing a tabletop or two due to mobility issues or just plain don't like the bending? Get the book and get back to us. This is a very active forum that likes to help and we are not shy in offering opinions.

Kay

Re: New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · **sanderson** 6/12/2014, 9:23 pm

walshevak wrote: This is a very active forum that likes to help and we are not shy in offering opinions.
Kay

Kay, An understatement! Very Happy

Re: New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · **AtlantaMarie** 6/13/2014, 1:26 pm

sanderson wrote:
walshevak wrote: This is a very active forum that likes to help and we are not shy in offering opinions.
Kay

Kay, An understatement!

I'll say! And it's ALL good!

And, DS, don't forget the local foodbank...

Re: New member, Novato CA. 1st timer! · Sponsored content


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.