Hello from Southeast Missouri

I am retired about 3 years now, and am a virtual newbie as a gardener.  Started reading Mel's original book which a friend lent to me, but I recently bought my own copy of the updated version.  Much easier to understand.  Built my 4x4 box with trellis. Using 3 pallets, I started a compost bin. 
Kids are gone and wife doesn't eat vegetables much, so this will pretty much be for my own consumption.  "Stepping apprehensively into the unknown."  I'm a big salad guy, so hoping to raise different salad fixins, a few flowers, but also want to try a small melon on the trellis in the summer.  After reading the book, it looks like I maybe should have started my seeding earlier, but am planting some things now just for the experience of learning, and will be better prepared for the fall crop veggies.  We have a lot of squirrels and a few stray cats around here, so I guess I better get busy and build a protective cage too.

Welcome, Pianoman! Keep a journal, so you'll know how to do it better next year.    We love   pictures (hint, hint). Questions welcome! 

Hello Pianoman. I live near St Louis, Mo.  My neighborhood is infested with squirrels and stray cats. Squirrels love tomatoes and the cats will use your beds as a litter box.  I had to put plastic construction fence around my beds.

Hi Pianoman, Welcome to the Forum from California. I agree that the New method of SFG is easier to understand, although the original is a good foundation of Mel's process that eventually ended with the ALL NEW method. You have the right attitude for the first year. Just learn about the plants, what works, what doesn't. And, yes, keep a journal. It is so interesting to read come winter.

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