Gardening novice here: Advice needed

[sclisa]

I am fairly well-versed in flower gardening, but have never planted veggies. I would like to do so this year, but I have absolutely no idea how to begin. I would prefer to start small in terms of total garden area. I would like to include some tomatoes, possibly brussels sprouts, peas, a few types of beans, carrots, lettuces...and, while not a veggie, I wouldn't mind beginning some strawberries (I'm fairly certain that this project takes more than one year to bring to fruition).

I don't know why, but I have a strange distrust of our soil. We live in a new subdivision, and for some reason, I feel our soil may be contaminated with pesticides or...well...something. So, I really am not comfortable with planting directly into the ground.

Does anyone have any advice? Good books/websites that deal with complete novices? Opinions as to whether I would be best served with raised beds or container gardening (given my bizarre aversion to our soil)? Our lot is adjacent to two wooded areas, so I will likely need to do some "critter control" as well.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Lisa

[Mrs. Readsalot]

In your situation I would go with raised beds filled with organic compost (if you can get it)

[Michelle T]

Go to your library and get the book called "Square Foot Gardening". Actually, you can also get a lot of the info from their website.

I have a small, 8'x11' raised bed, and I'm putting in the grids to start my garden. I purchased all my seeds from Burpee, and they are waiting in my fridge for planting. I filled my raised bed with potting soil and compost, so it's nice and rich.

Michelle T

[Adrianne]

It sounds like you need raised beds. There are many different types and ways you can do this. Some research will be needed. Here is a website I found at organicgardening.com:

http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-5-19-1434,00.html

I am sorry if the link does not work. I also like the book Carrots Love Tomatoes. It is a book on complimentary gardening and has some great ideas for garden layouts and raised bed plans. I would also check out my local library for books on raised bed gardening and organic gardening.

The internet also has a wealth of gardening information. This year we are planting blueberries bushes so I went the internet and googled growing blueberry bushes and so much info came up! You can also call your local county extension office for local planting information.

I would keep your veggies simple. Lettuce, tomatoes, beans, peas, broccoli are easy to grow. Brussel sprouts are a little more challenging to the new gardener. (think pansies versus roses). Lettuce, peas and beans are especially easy to grow. Keep in mind that some plants like broc, lettuce, and peas are planted in the spring and do not like the hot summer weather. Tomatoes and beans love the hot weather and are planted later in spring for summer harvest.

As far as critters are concerned, I would recommend waiting to see if you have a problem before you take any action as different critters require different action.

Good luck with your gardening! Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding experiences! Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.

Adrianne

[sclisa]

You've given me quite a few leads and great advice. Here in SC, *hot* is pretty much the norm for a looooong time, so I'm thinking I need to get moving on those veggies that prefer cooler temps. I'll check out all of the resources you recommended asap. I appreciate your willingness to provide direction...without it, you might find me still wandering around, clutching seed catalogs, muttering and drooling come fall. :D

Thanks again...I'll report in and/or email with questions.

Lisa