On Being Seedy...

I am reading through parts of this right now to help me figure out what I will plant in my wee garden this year.  I am pleased with the fact that this book is incredibly comprehensive and takes into account the greenhorns of green-thumbery.  Here are the conclusions I have drawn thus far:

1. I need raised beds, and should perhaps consider either a small plot (approximately 3' x 6') plus two planters (for basil, cilantro and sage) or two very small plots (3' x 3' each) that will give me a tad more access to everything and will allow me to position things more directly in accordance with the sun vs. shade requirements for each plant.

2. I am, at the moment, considering planting the following: the herbs listed above, carrots, broccoli, bush beans (some sort of green beans are the most likely candidate), melons and sweet potatoes.  I don't think I'm ready for the trellising that tomatoes require, and I know full well that they, along with the full complement of greens, will be available at any farmer's market, and will surely be a part of my CSA bundles at some point in the season.

3. It's really fascinating to learn about the many things that must be considered when planning a garden.  It's also a little bit of a (healthy) reality check for me to begin to tally the costs of this endeavor.  On the bright side, many things I invest in this year, I'll be able to reuse next year AND I imagine it will all end up being a more affordable solution than store-bought stuff when all is said and done AND it will automatically provide me an answer to a portion of the landscaping issues that plague my house in its current state.  Plus, it seems like it will be fun, and I am really excited about the prospect of eating my own food AND of taking Andy (and any potential future tots) outside to teach them about all of this stuff in a few years!

Does anyone know the last freeze date in this area of the country?  Has anyone ever built supports for raised garden beds before?  Which varieties of carrots are most tolerant to harsh conditions?  So many questions.  I guess it's a good thing I'm beginning this quest in January.