Great write-up, Dave.

Very informative and covered quite a few of the most important topics to consider in veggie gardening. Good going!

I was especially pleased to see you covered the value of "weeds"; dandelions are one of my most favored of them all!

"Non-traditional places to grow vegetables". I love telling folks about "edible landscaping" and your mention along these lines was perfect! Thanks for including that.

I could go on and on but would rather hear from others so will hush up before getting too long-winded! :>)

All in all...great article!

Shoe

Thank you, Shoe. I am honored to have such high praise from someone with your experience!!

I'd love to see some photos of your structures. I bet you've made some pretty creative bean climbing items.

"creative bean climbing items"...:>)

I'll see what I have taken pics of.

Again, an enjoyable read, worth reading more than once. This will be a great reference for beginners as well as a reminder for us old-timers. (Sheesh, I only look old; feel old some days though!)

Back later.

Thank you! I was indeed hoping to make something that would be a good primer for beginners who are googling for help on getting started. It seems that there really hasn't been a good tutorial on getting started with veggies.

Beginner here! Took me more than an hour to read this article. Lots of good ideas and great information. I'm glad I can go back for refreshers this summer. Wish I had more than a suburban yard. Those swales look swell! Living on a hill, most of the water goes down to the neighbors.
I should have started earlier in winter planning. Dynamic nutrient accumulators are new to me. I knew about legumes, but dandelions? I don't think I can ever be friends with them. I have tomatoes, carrots, beans, and lettuces planted, so far.

GREAT article Dave! Thank you so much!

I enjoyed all the photo's and you answered questions I didn't know I had

You're right - it's just plain FUN, delicious, and good for you!

loved it Dave.. so much great info!!!.. thanks!!!

"Article" is too trivial a word, Dave.
Wow!

I'm glad you all liked it!

Vic said, "I enjoyed all the photo's and you answered questions I didn't know I had"

I think the last part of your sentence is one of the signs of a nice tutorial, eh?

Shoe

You thought you had heard all my questions, huh Shoe

He always has the answers too, folks

Well, Vic, I might "always have the answers" but you have to wade thru them to see which is truth, which is tall tales!

Shoe (wonderfully tired; 'twas a good day)

Loved it! Inspiring, Dave!

Great article sir. For a noob Gardener this was a wealth of knowledge. I'm going to have to re-read it now to figure out what forums I need to visit and ask follow up questions. Thank you.

I'm glad it helps you! We have a forum dedicated to veggies here: http://garden.org/forums/view/...

There is alot of "food for thought" in planning a garden. Thanks!

Dave, do you add mosquito dunks to the standing water?

Anna, I don't because the standing water doesn't stay above the surface long enough for mosquitoes to breed. The water is always underground within 24 hours.

WOW! there is a lot of compost isn't there!

I just re-read this article, Dave, and think this is the most perfect time of year for others to do the same.

It won't be long, Folks, til you'll be digging in the dirt, sowing seeds either in-ground or in pots. I hope you refresh yourselves and try to incorporate some of the good ideas and suggestions mentioned in the article.

Shoe (really longing for spring after such a harsh winter!)