Hi from Texoma!

First time gardening...ever. I was referred to SFG by a friend who had seen some success and with the financial times it seems to be wise to be prepared. The more I read through the success stories, the more I am amazed at the process versus the "old" methods. It seems to old are great if you are a farmer but as a family of six this seems to be ideal.

I wanted to work on a budget and found a GREAT resource for materials in Wichita Falls, TX. I dropped by Builders Bargains (part of Habitat for Humanity) and picked up the lumber and plywood very inexpensively. 2x6 boards that were cut to 4 foot lengths already for $.50 each. I set of venetian blinds that took care of the grids for $2. The great part is these materials are donated to the store and they see income from the sale of these so it helps their cause also.

I built the raised beds on top of two pallets (asked at the local hardware store and Walmart for a couple of pallets in the back) and built away.

We homeschool our 4 children and was amazed at how excited all 4 were to plant (although they turned up their noses at the "compost", ha) and our 8 year old woke us up this morning asking when she could plant her seeds.

Thanks for the input in these forums - helps motivate and educate!

James.

hello and welcome shae sounds like your off to a great econimcal start this place is a fountain of knowledge and creativity feel free to ask any and all questions and be sure to post up some pics of your progress (we love pictures) and your right with the current financial status of the US starting your own garden should help in th ewallet in the long run. Glad to see the kids are into it as well its always great to see them learn how things are doneand where it comes from and the sens of accomplishment they will recieve from planting a seed and then nurturing it and then viola a giant plant emerges from such a tiny seed its a priceless moment in thier lives im sure.

Hi James!

THANK YOU for reminding me that there's a Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in my area! I was going to shop at the big orange store for my box frame lumber, but now my plans include a stop in at the Re-Store instead!

For others looking for such a place, check your yellow pages under [Building Materials - Retail] and [Building Materials - Used].

~Carolyn

Hey James,
Welcome to SFG. I'm sure you'll enjoy it and find it as successful as the rest of us do. Great idea about the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. We have several here in the Dallas area. Like Ward I've made donations there, but never thought to SHOP there.

Never knew Habitat for Humanity had such a store, I will call my local H.H. and see if we have one! My husband thinks I'm cheap, but I just love being resourceful. Welcome aboard!!!

Wel howdy from southwest of you a few hours. glad to see more south plains folks showing up. Hope we didn't send to much wind your way yesterday.