Hello from Indiana

Just wanted to say hello from northern Indiana. I don't mean to whine (I'll probably say that a lot) but I'm so sick of winter I could just spit and so I'm looking online for some relief, heck, I just picked up a couple new houseplants yesterday to ease the itch a bit. I'm not sure what square foot gardening is for sure but I've got a small yard so I'm guessing I'll find a thing or two to apply to my situation. My yard was neglected, to say the least, for I dunno how long when I got it so the last two years I've been cleaning up the overgrown mess (especially the poison ivy, geez that stuff is tough to get out when it has a toehold) and working on improving the soil (terrible, rocky stuff to work with here) as well as getting an idea of what I want and where. Anyhoo, I'll probably be quietly reading for the most part but thanks for having me, Mark

Mark, Welcome to the Forum from California! Square Foot Gardening is great for small back yards with bad soil. To better understand how easy the method is, I recommend that you get hold of a copy of All New Square Foot Gardening, 1st or 2nd Edition, by Mel Bartholomew. Bad soil? We don't use the soil; we build upwards. Small yard? Build the boxes to fit your situation. Invasive plants? Raise the beds off the ground. But, read the book. It explains things so easily.

Hi Mark.  Welcome from Atlanta, GA.  I'm a whiner too, lol!  I HATE the cold.

Sanderson is absolutely correct in everything she's saying.  And we're here to answer any questions.

I would also encourage you to look thru the archives.  You'll find lots of great (PRACTICAL) information there.

Hi Mark and Welcome


A couple more quick thoughts


Pick an area with 6-8 hours of sunshine
Stay clear of trees and shrubs where roots and shade may interfere
Put the box in an area where it does not puddle after a heavy rain
Enjoy and have fun!

Hello, 

You don't have to wait till spring, in the book you can make a 4 x 4 with pvc from corner to corner.  Then put clear plastic over it.  I grew lettuce and carrots over the winter.  It wasn't perfect but it worked.  It will keep you busy and scratch your itch. 

Good Luck!!

Stephen

url=https://servimg.com/view/19115705/26][/url]

Hello Mark and welcome!  I can empathize with you when it comes to illness.  I'm back with a vengeance however.  This forum is a great resource for information and I think you will enjoy your time here.  Again welcome and I wish you much success with you gardening endeavors!