Newbie in Virginia

Hi there! Just starting out with my SFG this year. I've been a city girl my whole life, and 2 years ago we purchased 3 acres in central VA. I wanted to start a garden last spring, but I was big and preggars at the time (I mean, really big). I discovered the SFG book at the library a few weeks ago, and just this past weekend built the boxes to go in the yard. I already have my seeds going indoors (so much fun with the 4 year old and watching them grow). I did 4 boxes. Not sure if I will use all of them this year, since I'm not sure how great my growing skills are, but there's plenty of room to expand. Now to find a natural way to keep away the deer and bunny-foo-foo (our neighborhood resident rabbit) away.

I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I felt at the thought of starting a garden in the traditional rows until I found out about SFG. So excited now!

Well, hope to discover more as I read through the forums and post any questions I have, though I will not guarantee that they won't be those "duh" moment questions!

Welcome from the thawing North! I am in SD and am hoping to get boxes put together this coming weekend for my first SFG if the weather cooperates (it didn't this weekend). I have always done row gardens and have been COMPLETELY overwhelmed, so I am with you in the excitement of SFG's!

TC

mrburnett

We are glad to have you join us. I agree that the technique in Mel's ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING is a much easier way to garden.

As far as the deer and rabbits, check in Mel's book for the dome supports or covered wagons, and put deer netting up to secure your garden. I only have deer to deal with, but that worked well for me. I also tried Irish Spring (really smelly fragrant) soap and it did work for a short time, but the deer either got used to it or it needed to be refreshed more often, and they decided to eat my roses.

Your little one(s) will really enjoy helping in the garden. Sometimes their patience is a little lacking so they will bring you "green" tomatoes or other prizes they find. That is just part of the fun.

Again, Welcome and keep us updated on your progress.

So glad to have ya! Isn't SFG great?

+1 on putting up netting to keep the deer and rabbits out. At the farm I'm volunteering on, they make domes out of concrete reinforcing mesh to deter the rabbit. They don't like to work for their food. They go some place else rather than try to get around the barrier.

Feel free to check out the regional forums for idea about how others are dealing with their pests.

I look forward to hearing more about your SFG. Take care!