| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 4:05:13 PM
Hello! I've been a very busy girl on my days off the last couple of weeks. I use the square foot method to gardening since my little suburban plot of land is barren clay. Today I built another bed-this one I used 12 inch tall boards for my potatoe seeds. I have it about 1/2 filled with topsoil, compost, manure and peat moss. I need to make another trip to the garden center next week to finish filling it. My station wagon can only handle about 10 40lb bags at a time before it screams for mercy!lol! I use that wagon like a a work truck. The boys at Lowe's just shake their heads and load that baby up. I also got a second 12 incher started but ran out of steam. I also laid mulch, raked up leaves, pulled weeds and started some seeds that have sprouted-yehaw. I'm exhausted! -and I've only started to scratch the surface of everything that I need to do. I still haven't tackled the cold frames I want to build-but got some ideas how and where I want to locate them in the backyard. I also need to build a need rabbit hutch-since I accidently broke the other one. I noticed at the tractor store that they are selling bunnies for a short time. I was thinking of asking the manager if I could by the display hutch when the bunnies are all sold. Any one else as tired as me? Any one else use the square foot garden method with raised beds? Love to hear how everyone else's garden dreams are comming along.
Lorraine
Farmgirl #500
A DutchGirl from SE PA |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| dutchgirl |
Posted - Apr 09 2009 : 8:08:18 PM
Pamcook-Hmmm I had some similar problems with bean and cucs- I think my beds were 1) not deep enough 2) not consistently watered ( I fizzle out in July  ) 3) I did not check my soil nutrients. 4) bees what bees? I haven't seen any other than a mean old wasps that scare me to death so all the above? This year I have increased the depth and I got this cool electronic soil tester at Lowe's for $19.97 that checks ph and nutrient levels in a snap. It said my PH was ideal, but "too little nutrients" so I added some manure and worked in some chemical ( I know bad girl) fertilizer. I don't know how I'm going to not fizzle when the heat and humidity get up there. I guess I'll count on you girls to tell me to move my plump hiney from the climate controled house outside to save my plants from thirst and angry weeds. 
I would check the soil. Maybe the plants did not get what they needed to grow. Also, maybe more sunlight.
Lorraine Dutchgirl |
| pamcook |
Posted - Apr 02 2009 : 3:54:08 PM
I'm among friends!!!! I'm still learning my way around and it's so good to not have to explain SFG - I can just ask questions!!
Last year, we built our little SFG and planted - everything grew to about 8 inches high and then NOTHING! They were the most beautiful "almost vegetable" plants you've ever seen. The squash bloomed like crazy and then NOTHING! The tomatoes never grew or flowered they stayed exactly like I planted them! We made Mel's mix according to his directions - I can't get anyone to help me come up with a theory.
Here is what I'm wondering -
?Too little sun - the patch gets late afternoon sun
?The spring was simply too hot?
?The compost wasn't really compost - not enough nutrients?
?Not enough bees? I honestly can't remember seeing any bees...(that makes me so sad, I could just cry every time I think about it)
I'm committed to trying again this year - help me out!
www.ikat.org |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 08:27:37 AM
Hi Lea,
I just wanted to let you know that MaryJane's file box planter is in May/June/July 08 issue of her magazine. It is the one with her in the darling cowgirl hat and orange shirt. On page 100-101
She says you will need: a file box ( she uses a black plastic), 2 bricks, a 15" peice of 2" PVC pipe, 1 sq of 1/4" mesh hardware cloth big enough to cover the bottom of your box ( it is like screen for your screen doors), 1 Sq od 2x4 hog wire fensing ( twisted not welded) that fits your file box. I am going to do a few for mother's day gifts this year.
Drill or punch a 1/2" hole for drainage.. the same heighth as your bricks. Place the bricks in the file box and prop the pipe in the corner.( needs to sit at a slight angle). Cut a corner out of the mesh cloth so the clothe can lay flat with no obstruction from the tube. Now place the hog wire in the box adjusting it to fit around the tube ( the hog wire should lay flat as well). Add soil and plant. Water is added to the box thru the tube so there is no soil compaction. water daily up to the drain hole.
Ok.. my notes above are a brief overview.... you really need to get the magazine to see the pictures, and to insure I didnt leave anything out. But there it is. MaryJane has the most adorable squash plant in this one.....CUTE!
Dutchy, thanks for the info on what you use as a substitute for Mel's mix.... I adore SQ FT gardening and think Mr.Mel is brillant.....But I know that some farmgirls in my chapter have questioned the use of Vermiculite and it tends to be very expensive here. We considered sand.. as an eridation factor.... but wondered if we needed to add more peat for absorption ( as the vermiculite is very absorbant), but some to think of it.. sand would keep it moist as well... so thanks!
Hey our local farmgirl chapter is going to do a "raised bed garden tour" in June... maybe we could do a virtual one here as well... would be fun to see everyones gardens
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| Alee |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 07:29:52 AM
I am thinking of doing this after this growing season- in the fall, as I guess our yard is pretty riddled with weeds (We just moved in). I don't have the money this season though. I think I will buy the book to read over the summer!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| Suzan |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 06:51:09 AM
Kay, I second the tip about the book, I just got it a week ago and it has been well read already! I am going to get the stuff to build mine within the next week and it is going too... |
| suethequilter |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 06:08:29 AM
Lorraine, We are putting 4-sq.foot garden plotts in this summer. It is a lot of work to get started, but I think once the beds are in as ready to plant the rest will be a piece of cake.
life is good
Farmgirl#172 |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Mar 29 2009 : 5:12:49 PM
Kay, you can find out more about square foot gardening at www.squarefootgardening.com I'm doing some SFG this year for the first time. I bought the book by Mel Bartholomew and it's well worth the $$. Lots of info on the website though - great stuff!
God bless -
Karen ~ Farmgirl Sister #311
www.livingwell4you.blogspot.com
www.heritagehillsfarm.blogspot.com
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| KayB |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 2:24:58 PM
Where would I go to check out this method of gardening? The newbie here is open to all possibilities of gardening other than get out the roto tiller and go for it.
Life's a dance you learn as you go |
| farmgirl blessings |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 07:23:23 AM
I'm using the SFG method this year as well and so far I'm pleased. My spinach and lettuce have just begun sprouting (happy dance) and the soil is so easy to work with. But I'm very interested in MaryJane's file box garden method ~ does anyone know where I can find more information?
Blessings, Lea
www.farmhouseblessings.blogspot.com
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| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 08:19:00 AM
I forgot to add to my last post. My original beds are 2x4 which in my humble op. is just not deep enough. I am now using them for cut flower beds. I have one that is 2x6 which seemed just about right for most things ..tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers, even corn. However, it didn't seem that great for the spuds the one year I did them. So this year I ponied up a few extra dollars and went with 2x12x4. So the boards are 2 inches thick, 12 inches tall and 4 feet in length. It is taking about 400lbs of mix to fill to the brim-but I'm guessing that through the years I really be able to rotate my different veggies around and really be able to grow just about anything with enough TLC. I use non treated pine. I made a really nice looking raised rose bed out of simply plywood that I but into 12 inch high boards and painted a nice hunter green. I'm not quite fully organic because I use fertilzer, but I don't want to use the pressure treated lumber around our food and can not afford the cedar lumber which is more rot resistant. I really, like the simple method of sfg. -Lorraine |
| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 08:09:03 AM
I don't really use "mels mix". I mix in the wheelbarrow 40lbs of topsoil, 40lbs of manure, some peat moss and a little sand and mix with pitchfork until it is light and fluffy. Then I ususally top dress with some fertilizer. I have not used it in any pots-but it should work just great.
Great news on the carrots!!
I just sowed my indoors a couple of days ago-no sprouts yet. The peas and bean seedlings are doing awesome. I think I already need to thin the lettuce seedlings. They are leaning every which way-they only have their seed leaves can I thin now or do I need to wait until they get their true leaves before transplanting or thinning? None of my orginal patch of cauliflower sprouted so I sowed another variety-keep your fingers crossed. -Lorraine |
| Suzan |
Posted - Mar 23 2009 : 09:23:35 AM
Lora, How high are your beds? Still planning mine... |
| DearMildred |
Posted - Mar 23 2009 : 09:08:15 AM
Got some things transplanted into my SFG yesterday, and my carrots are coming up! Woohoo!
Does anybody else use Mel's Mix in their "other" containers? I'm thinking I may scrub out the pots and tubs I might grow extra veggies and herbs in, and fill them with Mel's Mix, since God only knows that evils may lurk in the old dirt sitting around in 'em. I can use that dirt for flower beds.
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers |
| LoraFLeming |
Posted - Mar 22 2009 : 4:09:49 PM
I've been square foot gardening since the late 70's ... OMG that makes me sound so old!! Anyway, I bought my house I'm in now 5 years ago and the first thin we did was build five 4"x8" raised beds, bought a trucl load of organic soil and nailed tacks every foot and ran stings around them to make my grids ... worked very well, but my hubby kept cutting himself on the tacks, so be careful if you do that. Now I just "eyeball" everything. I absolutely love this method and can't imagine ever going back to long rows of veggies three or four feet apart! Waste of space! Also. there's no tilling involved since they never get walked on ... less work, and I like that! There's still plenty to be done!
http://loralynn7.blogspot.com/
Changing the world one card at a time.
www.Sendoutcards.com/Lora |
| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 6:36:03 PM
Today I finished the other raised bed that I ran out of steam on my last day off. I mixed up 10 bags of topsoil, 10 of manure, 1 3/4 bag of peat, and 3/4 of a 50lb bag of sand today. I got thet first 4 x12x 4 filled and the second one is almost filled to the top-I guess I need more dirt. I also put up one birdhouse, and 2 bird feeders. I look forward to squeezing in more garden time tommorrow. I would like to get the spuds in the ground and finish starting my seedlings inside. Have a bunch of family commitments sooo we will have to see how it works out. Thanks for the tip re: wintersown.org. I will check it out. Also-I have a tip I love the podcast on itunes : gardenfork and a geek and a barn -pretty cool. Have a great night!
Lorraine
Dutchgirl in SE PA
Farmgirl #500 |
| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 6:29:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by DearMildred
I have a square foot garden and so far, it rocks! Very first year, but sooo easy so far. (Once you get all the Mel's Mix made! Hauling the dirt around, not so easy... but you dont have to wait for it, it's already ready to work) This year I am going to attempt to grow all my vining plants vertically.
And also doing some winter sowing in milk jugs - if you go to wintersown.org you can get the address and they'll send you FREE heirloom seeds. I have become a big fan.
Lorraine I'll be interested to know how your garden goes. Happy gardening!
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers
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| idsweetie72 |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 4:30:43 PM
We have piles of top soil around from when the guys excavated for our foundation-( or had)We used most of it for landscaping around the house, and my first tiny garden- tilled soil with more soil added and old rail road ties around the perimeter- and a fence so the darn deer and elk stay out)
We have another huge pile that we aregoing to put in my new garden- so thankfully we haven't had to purchase any soil- but we have had to purchase gravel! I can't wait to see pics of gardens on here!
Mazy Day Farm |
| Diane B Carter |
Posted - Mar 21 2009 : 1:32:21 PM
Last year I ordered a $100. worth of top soil delivered. It took me almost all day to shovel it from my front yard to my back yard but I think it was still cheaper buying it that way. I think I will do the same in a few weeks. I can't wait for the ground to warm up.
Hope all your days are Sunnydays.
dianebcarterhotmailcom.blogspot.com |
| DearMildred |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 1:10:15 PM
I have a square foot garden and so far, it rocks! Very first year, but sooo easy so far. (Once you get all the Mel's Mix made! Hauling the dirt around, not so easy... but you dont have to wait for it, it's already ready to work) This year I am going to attempt to grow all my vining plants vertically.
And also doing some winter sowing in milk jugs - if you go to wintersown.org you can get the address and they'll send you FREE heirloom seeds. I have become a big fan.
Lorraine I'll be interested to know how your garden goes. Happy gardening!
~~~Amanda in OK~~~
There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves. ~Will Rogers |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 10:08:13 PM
AMIE, I am a fellow Geo Metro girl and I can fill mine up. We call it our little pickup hatchback.....lol
Not doing any gardening yet, ground to hard, still some ice and snow where I want to put my square food beds. I am just starting with this method, but all reports have been good on square food gardening.
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 7:11:47 PM
OMG a Geo Metro. Yep! I remember my brother and his wife had a bright yellow one. What is the "File Box Garden Instructions"? Thanks in advance for the reply. Lorraine |
| Amie C. |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 10:49:07 AM
Come this time next month, Lorraine, I'll be doing some of those same things. I don't know about the square foot method, but I'm hoping to build a raised bed. And I absolutely have to dig up and move some long-established bushes (yikes...that's going to make me sore).
My husband doesn't even let me use our station wagon, I have to haul soil and compost in my Geo Metro (if you don't remember those, it's so small I can park it inside the grocery cart return at the store if the parking lot's crowded). Who says you need a pickup truck?!
Good luck with the chickens, and don't strain your back. |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 10:19:14 AM
Sounds like you had a busy and productive day. There's nothing better than working outdoors in the garden! I'm getting ready to do my garden using MaryJane's file box garden instructions. I'm off to garage sales and the Goodwill to see what materials I can find for cheap.
Handmade Soap & Lotion Bars http://www.therusticcottagebath.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
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| dutchgirl |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 7:18:11 PM
You girls are too cute! Yep, I think I am going to go lay down. I have a massive pile of clean laundry in the living room that needs folding-I guess it will be waiting for me after work tommorrow. I wish I could have a hen or two-however our township ordiance is no poultry.  I think I spied someone down the road with a coop.....I might have to take a walk and get a closer look and make friends with the rebel. Good night. Lorraine |
| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 4:20:51 PM
WOW girl..MB me too.. I do need a nap now for sure....Lorraine. you worked hard... all I did was get my chickens fed . Checked the duck pond for new ducks , scooped the coop of poop & now I got my dinner started..
Cheryl
Farmgirl #309
Klamath Falls "Charming Chicks Chapter" Mother Hen
Almost daily posts at:
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
You never know when what you say or do will make a difference...Kerry Kennedy
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