Hello from Southern IL

Hi to all. I'm a retired school teacher who moved to IL from the desert of CA when I retired 5 years ago. Though I enjoy all the beauty and a slower pace of life, I'm finding the weather to be a real challenge to gardening.

Because I'm from CA, I brought ideas with me. One was that every community needed one if not many community gardens and mine had none. After fighting an uphill battle with the city, one was finally established and I remain the director. In two years we have donated over 5 thousand pounds of fresh, wonderful produce of all types to local food banks and charities.

As a Master Gardener I enjoy learning. Mel happened to speak in Mt. Vernon at the Herb Festival last year and reminded me of how to square foot garden. I'd purchased his first book and somehow had gotten away from the concept. I now share his techniques with those who garden in the community garden and hope to join his teaching staff in the next year to spread the word. In fact, a copy of his newest book is in the shed for all to consult.

I'm hoping through this forum to learn an easy way to make 'hoop houses' over our 4X10 foot raised beds in the community garden. We could certainly expand our growing season if we could figure out how to do that. Can you tell I don't build much?

Keep the posts coming so I can continue to learn.



Jackie Davis

Salem, IL

Hi Jackie!
You may remember me, I assisted Mel when he was in Mt. Vernon at the Herb Show.
This is a great forum with a lot of great SFGs!

Jackie, do you have a copy of Mel's updated version? If you met Josh, I assume you know about it at the very least. It really has changed. And, if you got away from the original concept, I can't imagine a better way to reintroduce yourself...and the community gardeners.

Keep poking around the forum. Hoop houses are a hot topic this time of year, and again early in the spring. You will no doubt find some information. The search engine at the bottom left of the page will also assist you within the site.

Hope to see more of you around. This really is a great community of people.