Hi, I'm new!

[Jan]

Hi all, I'm very new to this - computer web chatting as well as veg gardening, in fact it's taken me all day yesterday to work out how to post this message!

I must say how much I've enjoyed reading the threads as a guest though till I worked out that I can join in as well!

Anyway, having started growing veg in my garden in a very small way a couple of years ago I am looking for advice about getting the most out of a small plot. I am interested in catch-cropping, and container growing, as well as something I've heard mentioned - marking the plot into 'square foot' areas for planting???? Can anyone tell me what this is please? I think I've heard it mentioned in one of the threads here at some point.

Also, what is a 'germinator', 'Cropper', 'Seedlind' etc? sorry if I'm a bit dim but this is all very new to me as I said

look forward to hearing from you, Jan

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the grapevine. Loads of helpful and knowledgeable folks on here as I guess you already know from reading!!!

The 'germinator, cropper' etc bit changes as you post more on the forum. Not sure where the change points are to be honest and I know people have asked but the administrators don't want to tell - you will have to keep an eye open and note when yours change.

Good luck with the gardening - I only started growing veggies last summer with mixed success. Looking forward to better success and learning more this coming season.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Jan! Welcome to the Grapevine that I love to call the madhouse because it is at times!!!

We have found it best not to let members know the level of posts required to move up to the next name change.

I will post a link for you later for square foot gardening. I am running the laptop off battery at the moment and it is about to run out!!

[Jan]

Hi Shirly, thanks for your support - am busy loking through veggie catalogues today - looks like I might need about 100 'square foot' patches for all the things that look so scrummy! OH looking at bit 'green' at the thought of all the work tho - looking forward to hearing how you get on this year, best, Jan

[Nicos]

Hi there Jan - and welcome!!
Bit strange isn't it when you join your first forum??....but don't worry- we all learn from each other and everyone has experiences to share!!
I've been here a year and still not got the hang of posting photos!!!
Some of us are a bit slow on the technology side - but give us a spade and a pile of muck.......

[supersprout]

Hello Jan
Congratulations, you've found a good place! I'm a relative newbie here and have already had loads of advice from other grapes
There's a book on Square Foot Gardening, and lots on the Web, if that way of growing interests you.
You can find out what suits your soil without breaking the bank When you've made a list of the veggies you'd like to grow, don't hesitate to post in the Seed Swap - especially helpful if you want to grow several different varieties.
Happy growing!

[NEWTO THE PLOT]

Hi Jan was going to say the square foot gardening book but see s.s beat me too it but want to say welcome to the madhouse got to say you get great advice on here and a good laugh too

[carlseawolf]

a warm welcome from another newbie too !

[Alice]

Hello Jan, and welcome to the Vine. I see your interested in container growing. If you're soil's not suitable for carrots, they do well in containers. I grew Early Nantes in 8" deep pots last year and they were wonderful. I took the time to plant the seeds individually 1" apart, so had no thinning to do, no carrot fly and the pots full to bursting. Let's know what you are growing.

[Jan]

Hi all, lovely to hear from so many new friends
Hadn't realised about the seed swap - am I right in thinking that it's better not to get F1 varieties in order to swap seeds next year? At the moment my eyes are like saucers at all the lovely things to grow - think I need to calm down a bit & get a grip! Maybe this year stick to salady type things & peas/beans - are there any tall varieties of peas, I seem to remember these from fathers plot years ago?
Has anyone tried this 'square foot' growing? I'm only interested as a way of making the most of small space, does it work or is it a bit 'gimmicky'? Looking forward to trying container growing and thanks for advice, especially since I must have been a contender for the ugliest carrots last year, think my garden must be too stony even tho I did seive it The great carrot debate was what first attracted me to the forum, so looking forward to hearing all about everything!!!! best, Jan

[Alice]

Square foot gardening the Mel Bartholmew method

Hello Jan, there was a very good thread with the above name on the Vine last year, complete with a pic from Jaxom. I printed it and kept it for myself. I hope this link will take you straight to all the postings. It was started by Bibliobeck under No Spatial awareness. Hope this helps.
Square foot gardening

[supersprout]

Thank you Alice, really useful search, saved to Favourites!

[Jan]

thanks for this Alice, it's very inspiring, I think I'll have a go - let you know how I get on - can't wait to draw up plans for OH, his face will be a picture! When I work out how to post piccys I'll include it - Jan

[Lesley Jay]

Jan I have finally got back to the computer to post the link I promised and Alice has beat me to it!!

[madderbat]

Welcome Jan
Hope you enjoy the madness. Anything to do with numbers is beyond me at times, so can't get my head round square foot gardening, no help there I'm afraid, but nice to meet you.
See you around.