Yet another Retired ADD/OCD Engineer

 
I’m a 74 yr. old retired Electrical Engineer.  I’ve told my staff for years that there are no boxes and no lines.  Think outside, be creative.  I was pleased to find SFG as it fits my fundamental thoughts and I now have a place that allows me that flexibility. We just purchased a home in Graham, WA.  I am so blessed!  Not only does it have a 20’ x 40’ shop, it also has a 17’ x 26’ raised bed garden.  Unfortunately, without some revisions, my access would be limited.  I had a stroke 10+ years ago (left side affected) that limits my mobility.  I have come up with a modification plan that will cut two 36” wide paths into the existing raised bed.  After the mods I will end up with 2 rows 4’ x 26’ and 1 row 3’ x 26’.  Each row will be divided into 1’ x 1’ squares.  This will provide me with 286 SFGs.  I can see all of the horrified looks “Why so many?”  I’m not going to remove/throw away arable ground.  I would rather gain the experience and make my neighbors and friends happy than add lawn for my wife to mow.  It is not practical to mow from a wheelchair.  Yes, I’m going to check out riding and autonomous mowers.  This will be the first time in 45 years since we’ve had a flat lawn (Florida).  As an illustration of my personality.  My wife bought me an orchid for Christmas and by the next Christmas I had more than 100 and was working for a grower (I was in College) in West Palm Beach.  When we left in 1975, I had 600+.  I have several ladder racks and cable trays that I’m testing designs for arbors and pergolas and some aluminum extension ladders that should make nice trellises.  Lots to do and we’re still not moved!  And there is also that 20x40 shop.  I’ve received 10 patents since the stroke relating to beer/beverage preservation/dispensing.  When we get into the new place, I plan on doing a Solar map as I’m a little worried about that fence on the South side.  It’s about 4’ S of the bed but it is a 6’ fence.  After I model it in 3D, I’ll be better able to determine the impact.  In any event I will place the shade tolerant plants on the S side.
 
I just posted a “wanted” post on Craig’s List hoping to find someone to add the aisles to the existing raised bed as I am unable to do it by myself.  Once they're in I will be able to reach each SFG from my scooter.


Keith

I love your energy!  I can’t wait to see what you create!

Thank You.

From one Retired EE to another, welcome to the forum! I'm a little older than you, but gardening keeps me active. Keep us posted on your progress with your new estate.

Hi Keith.  Welcome from Atlanta, GA.  Glad to see another CDO (OCD in it's proper alphabetical format)!  Those 1'x1' squares really speak to my desire for order as well.  

I started with 1 violet & ended up with over 100.  Unfortunately I became affected with severe vertigo issues & couldn't take care of them properly, so gave them away to friends.  My FIL was an orchid grower with a beautiful greenhouse for them.  I tend to kill those...  

Looking forward to see how your garden develops!

Ret, Welcome to the Forum from California. Don't be shy, we love photos of projects!

This 17' x 26' garden was created by the previous owner.  He covered it with a blue tarp.  I assume it was intended to aid in weed control?  Since I am mobility challenged, I plan on cutting two 26' aisles 3' wide for scooter access.  At the same time I will raise the three long beds remaining (2 4' wide and 1 3' wide with 6" cedar to facilitate the SFG configuration.  There is much more space between the fence and the garden than there appears to be in the photo so shading won't be a serious issue.  This will certainly and obviously be more SFG than we need but it gives me room to experiment and I can always give away or donate the overflow.  It will also give me the opportunity to try things that I wouldn't buy.  There is no doubt in my mind that my vegetables will cost more than the farmers market or the grocery store.  And little doubt that they will be fresher and better.  I have some ideas for trellises using construction materials that I've collected over the years.  When they are installed I will share.

The building on the left is my 20' x 40' shop and in the background is our South facing covered patio.

It looks like I'm on my own for creating the aisles, luckily I have good friends in the construction industry.  None the less, this is going to be a very expensive garden.  I also have two South facing double-hung windows that will work well with a twin-wall lean-to for starting new seedlings next year.  I'm not sure how well everything is going to do this year with my late start.

I think I followed the instructions for posting a photo but I don't see it in the preview.  I'm sure that I will hear one way or another. 

Keith

Photos are a good thing.

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t21775-update-2017-how-to-post-a-picture-located-on-your-computer