Hello from Eden, NY

Hello Everyone,
I'm Jennifer from Eden, NY.  30 minutes south of Buffalo in Western New York.  I grew up with a big vegetable garden.  I remember sneaking into the garden as kids and eating raw beans and peas when we got hungry from playing.  Last year my youngest son, joined a garden club in school and they started a Community Garden.  He had so much fun doing it and learned a lot.  And he ate many of the vegetables he grew!  That was a first.  My husband enjoyed the fresh produce we had for dinner each night from the garden.  That made us want to try a raised bed.  We knew we had to go raised, because our soil is nothing but shale and it would be next to impossible to amend it.  I listen to You Bet Your Garden, and Mike McGraff talks a lot about Square Foot Gardening.  Based on Mike and his interviews with Mel, it seemed like a pretty step by step way to garden, and I like that.  Plus, getting a lot of bang for your space buck.  So this year, for Mother's Day and my birthday the following week (because who can say no to a request for a gift), I am getting raised beds!

I can't wait to dig in and get started.

Welcome, Jennifer!
I grew up with a garden in NY, too, and have similar memories.
Do you have a copy of the All New Square Foot Gardening book yet? 
What vegetables are most interested in growing?

Oh My Goodness, Jennifer! I was born in Eden, NY.  You are the first person I've even met from there.  We moved from Eden to Hamburg when I was 3, then to Florida when I was 6. If there are any Shumways, Richardsons, or Thumans still around, they're relatives. Please tell them Suzie Shumway says "hi." 

 to the forum from Redding, CA, a long way from NY, but now home. Looking forward to following your sfg adventures.

Hi LilacJennifer. I'm AtlantaMarie from... Atlanta, GA! Glad you're here.

Sounds like we have birthdays around the same time....

Welcome Lilac! Le us know when you get some plans together, sounds like you have a handle on AlL New Square Foot Gardening?  If not, I would recommend getting a copy of the book from your library to get started.

Hi Jennifer,

Great story! I've visited that part of New York state, and many of us don't realize how much there is to that state that has nothing to do with its well-known city. Not that there isn't a lot to love about the city, too.

I look forward to seeing what gardening projects you and your family launch.

Welcome from Coastal NC

Lilac, Welcome to the Forum from California! I loved your introduction, especially about your son growing and actually eating fresh produce. Yes, do read All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. It's fast reading and outlines step-by-step. Keep us updated on your journey, and do keep a journal. It's fun to read in the winter and see what worked, what didn't, etc.

Thank you for all of the warm welcomes. 

I've read the Square Foot Gardening book and refer back to it often.

Now I just have to get this snow to melt so I can get to work!

It's not too soon to start locating and gathering supplies: peat moss, coarse vermiculite and 5 sources of compost (not soil amendments). Don't forget to check your local Craig's List for "aged" manures (6-12 months), rabbit or llama droppings, worm castings.