New SFG enthusiast from Southern Illinois

Hey folks.  Got a copy of The New SFG for Christmas and have begun preparations for a bountiful harvest this year.  Little experience, but high energy-at least for now.  I hope to get all the information I can from the forums. 

High, Rick. Welcome to the Forum from California! Glad you have a copy of the book as you will refer to it many times. We welcome questions and love photos! We are here to help and cheer you on.

ricksanders wrote:Hey folks.  Got a copy of The New SFG for Christmas and have begun preparations for a bountiful harvest this year.  Little experience, but high energy-at least for now.  I hope to get all the information I can from the forums. 

Hi, Rick, and welcome from Ohio! Have you ever gardened? You will learn as much or more from your journey as you will here! Looking forward to hearing your plans, and make sure to check out the archived material , searchable in the upper left on this site.

Goose Girl & I might be your regional hosts, depending on how far south and your microclimate!

Hi Rick. Welcome from Atlanta, GA! Glad you've joined us...

I second what Sanderson & SR have said! Let us know how we can help. :-)

We are located in Edwardsville, Illinois, just east of St. Louis MO.  In looking at the regions, I'm guessing that I am in the "Upper South".  Not a clear connection in any of the regions for Illinois.  I could use some guidance in what region I fall into.

Have done some minor row gardening in the past - Lima beans, corn, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, etc., with not a lot of success. Learned a lot about what not to do.  SFG makes so much more sense, and my son (in the Denver area) is a big advocate of the process.  When I got the book for Christmas, the gauntlet had already been set.

Planning 4 boxes - 2 end-to-end with vertical gardening in the two northern most ends.  Have a full schedule going, with a single spreadsheet showing the boxes and squares for starting, transplanting, and harvesting.  Have most of my MM ingredients, except the compost - still collecting different varieties, while working on a small compost spot in the back yard. Already have some seeds started - but mostly herbs that I intend to put in pots and planters for the patio.  I have planted some pepper seeds and will hold them until mid May before I transplant.  Have the boxes built, the grids made, the trellis (elec conduit) constructed, and am now working on the coverings for the boxes.

I have a dog who loves to dig, and my biggest concern right now is how I will keep her out of the beds.

Really looking forward to this spring. I'm sure I'll surf the topics in posts and find a lot of answers.

  rick  
from Kelejan  

I am sure you will enjoy this Forum.  People here are warm and friendly and helpful.

Rick sounds like you are well on your way! To tell which region you are in, find out your hardiness zone and frost free dates...might clue you in. I bet you are right as far as Upper South though. Illinois is a tall state!

For the dog, you might consider planting forks (tine-side up). Works for cats too...