Starting Out -- first time gardening

Hello All ~ I've been reading Barbara Kingsolver's book, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" and have gotten inspired to start a small garden. I really only have my patio here in the heart of LA, so it's going to be an adventure. I got both of the Square Foot Gardening books and am going to get my handyman to build me a raised planting bed so that I can plant in the spring. I like do do my research, so I'm in investigative mode. . . :-)

In any event, the question I have is about seedlings. I certainly understand that in other climates, it would be really important to get the seedlings started inside. But according to the frost map, my area doesn't need to worry about that. So I'd love to get your thoughts about whether that is even an issue for me. If possible, I'd prefer to just plant in the garden directly. What say you experienced gardeners?? And many thanks -- any little bit of insight will be helpful!

cheers,
FirstTimeGardener

im about an hour north of you. We planted lettuce, beets, cilantro, 5 lettuces, spinach, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, garlic, onions, carrots direct seed about 3 weeks ago. Be SURE to use the recipe for the soil from the ALL NEW square foot gardening book, not the old book. Be SURE you get your mix right, several of us are fighting issues because the mix wasn't right. Lowe's carries the mix all ready to go! It's under the name of Gardentime. It's about $13 a sack. The book says you need four sacks, but ours took 5 to fill it nicely. Have fun!!

Those are great tips, Southern Gardner! Thank you! This just seems to get easier and easier -- I cannot believe the mix is already made up and available at Lowe's. That is one component I was concerned about and that is really going to be a time saver for this city slicker. I will get my handyman out here soon and have him take a look at the patio and see what he can do. I am getting pretty excited!

Thanks again!

you're welcome. Call first to be sure they have it. Both of the Lowe's in Ventura county carry it. We are re-doing all of our beds with this mix, so hope it works, very costly for start up, but will be worth it IF it works! Good luck and have fun...

I am near Temecula and I never start seeds indoors. They go right into the ground. That said, I usually buy tomato plants at the store, but I would still direct seed if I bought seeds instead.

That book changed my life. I am glad to see it inspired you to SFG!! Glad to have you here!

I live in Northern Idaho and have to start seeds, so I can't help you with hat part...but some people already have I see and there will be others I am sure! You have come to the right place!