Okay, here's my critique. You probably did not design it, actually, you just built it--a big raised bed with a fence around it. Ideally, I would use a completely different design for a fully-fenced garden as for one not fenced--both as to dimensions and where the garden actually "is" with regard to the house and to the fence and to any paths or stepping stones that will be needed. However, you were able to take some advantage of where you attached the fencing to the perimeter. You can retrofit it now with some kind of step stones or paths in order to try to work in it. It's too close to the house so you lose the ability move very well back there or to work freely through the back fence or to run a wheelbarrow back there. You lose a little bit of some space advantage you could have had to let larger plants (indeterminate tomatoes; peas and beans) which like to spill out over the back sides--but you could still place them at the ends. These types of vegetables are really fun to grow in places where you can just saunter up to pick them at eye level (I am revealing my middle-agedness here). Of course, it isn't that much fun to try to work through the squares of fence, so you will mostly want to work from inside. If you put a path through the middle then will still have a few feet on either side for your crops. You can have a lot of fun with this garden regardless and learn a lot about growing different types of stuff. I always feel pressure to try to put as much as possible in the small veggie garden, but sometimes that can take the fun out of it (pressure! pressure!) as much as it can be fun. But if you do check out some of the photos and articles on small-space or square foot gardening, they will have some helpful tips on where to place different vegetables with regard to each other (height and growth patterns, time to maturity, multi-season planting). I would work out your pathways, and plan on enjoying plenty of tomatoes (next year) , herbs, and lettuces. In your zone, you can plant cilantro and parsley now and it will grow all winter and thaw out great after freezes. Also all kinds of lettuces and greens as suggested above.

Dig, Thanks for the heads-up! This is too funny! Actually learned about BER on this forum two years ago, so bought the calcium stuff last year, expecting it to return. It didn't until this year. Should have read the FAQ sheet instead of searching for responses. Responses are 50/50, usually with someone starting with the stuff I bought. Not spraying is my favorite option! LOL (Am still collecting egg shells though, since I'm a container gardener, so need to supplement used soil and add to my soil base year after year.) dew, Nope! Those #$%$# tree rats and I have been dueling for a few years now. I've tried everything, including feeding the critters. All that did was invite old enemies back into the picture -- flying rats (pigeons LOL)! They seemed to enjoy the squirrel food more then the squirrels, and, living in the city, I always fear what else might be eating my offerings at night (original rats! Most animals that live in the city are scavengers, so, to us, they're all related to rats! LOL) I'm no squirrel expert (past knowing if it's good squirrel stew or not) but, from the reaction I get from fellow gardeners -- most seem to be suburbanites or country folk -- it seems that city squirrels learn how good tomatoes are. Maybe the crowded conditions force them to eat whatever they can get their greedy little paws on, but again, just guessing. This is the year where I find out who is smarter -- the tree rats or me. Who knows the outcome?! LOL

Brick Color is first. You will need to decide on an overall color scheme for the exterior of the house, and pick a brick that matches. If you home has an all brick exterior, this will be easier. Then Shingle color. This will go on right after framing. Window color is also crucial at this point. Windows will need to be ordered in the first week of framing. White on white comes in quicker, custom colors can take quite a bit of time. Showers also need to be installed before rough-in or before any siding or brick is put up, if you are using the one-piece fiberglass shower/tubs. These are much easier to put in during framing. (If you are using these, look at AKER brand. IMO,they have the best value in a builder grade shower, very strong, and made from an acrylic gel-coat). If you want anything custom, it is close to time to order these showers. You have some time on the rest, (flooring,interior paint, countertop material/ color, etc.) but not alot! You need to be making decisions on the items mentioned above soon! This will help prevent costly delays, waiting on things to come in. Good Luck, we are in the exact same stage. We have all of our permits, and we are waiting for the state to put in a driveway swale pipe so that the grader can get in and work. It is so frustrating waiting on the state! They have already cost us a week, and these long summer days are impossible to recover! ARGH!!!

See link in next posting. :) When making a 1st post with a link, it's actually easier then you think.. for those that don't know Type up your post, then hit the "Preview" button, once you have the preview, scroll down a little, you will see your post again, this time with the Optional Link URL: & Name of the Link: You can also go to the link below.. look under links Here is a link that might be useful: HTML Cheatsheet and learn now to make links in the 1st post