Hello from Ohio

Hi!  I'm just getting started... 3 4x4's,  peat moss in the garage, vermiculite just arrived, will get manure this weekend.  I am anxious to get started!   Last frost date around here is approximately Mother's Day, which makes it easy to remember!

Welcome to the group.  You'll find lots of help and lots of pictures of other gardens on here.  I think you'll like stopping by.

Vicki, Welcome to the Forum from California! Are you going to be trying square foot gardening? I ask because you only mentioned manure, or did you mean compost.

Vicki

from Kelejan, Canadian Regional Host.




I echo sanderson's post, re the difference in manure and compost, just in case you have got mixed up which is easy to do if you are a complete beginner. If you are not sure, just shout out and you will be inundated with the stuff.

I mean, with the explanation.

Kelejan:  

Hi Vicki G !


  from central Ohio.

We're all here to share, learn, and encourage each other.  We joke around and you'll find lots of pictures too. 
Enjoy

Yep!        I meant compost.....   first time making Mel's mix       I'm glad to meet you all!

Btw,  how do you get the weather report posted at the end of your posts?

Look at mine where it says click for weather forecast.  When it opens up I think you fill in your information and look at the bottom for help. Installing widgets I think?
I somehow attached mine a few years ago.  I'm great at clicking multiple times here and there then forgetting what I've done...
Maybe someone else will chime in?

Vicki, What 5 composts were you able to find? I think that is the hardest part to getting starting.

sanderson wrote:Vicki,  What 5 composts were you able to find?  I think that is the hardest part to getting starting.

I start my search this weekend.  What 5 did you use?

You certainly don't want to use what I used for my first box!!  I misunderstood what 5 sources of compost meant.  I bought the red striped Kellogg mix, thinking that the list of ingredients (way over 5 ingredients listed) meant that I was set to go.  

Please read this thread:  It will give you a good understanding.  Then all you have to do is find some of these composts.  
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t7452-mel-s-mix-how-strong-is-your-backbone

I know use my own homemade compost, as do others who have room.  I live in a small lot neighborhood so I had to squeeze the 3' x 3' x 3' cage in between a rose bush and a crepe myrtle tree.

Check Craig's List for aged / cpmposted manures, worm castings, mushroom compost

Home Depot, Lowes, etc.:  commercially bagged chicken or steer manure, Ecoscraps Compost from veggies, mushroom compost.

eBay:  worm castings (used by the handful) and kelp meal (used by the teaspoon)

Others will probably be adding their suggestions.  Anyone else from this state?  Any local suggestions.

I found cow & mushroom compost today... will do more searching tomorrow

Were you able to find anything on Sunday?

Welcome Vicki G!
Southwest Ohio has a pretty large amount of agriculture.  Be sure to check local nurseries for compost.  If you're like me, and have no shame, stop by a local farm and ask if they have any aged manures available (see llama, rabbit, horse, chicken). They are often eager to rid of it for free.  I know you mentioned you have vermiculite already, but I was in Baker Feed and Seed in Milford recently, and they have 4cuft bags of (albeit medium grade) vermiculite for $14.99!