Re: Second Year SFG in Canada

**Scorpio Rising** 5/3/2016, 10:11 pm

TD, I get it! My weekend coming up is going to be a punishment, I have a graduating high school Senior who is having the party at my house.....back hurting in anticipation of the work

**trolleydriver** 5/4/2016, 11:57 am

It was one year ago on this day, May 4, that I joined this wonderful SFG forum.

:canada:

**sanderson** 5/4/2016, 2:16 pm

**trolleydriver** 5/4/2016, 2:28 pm

I was hoping to mix up the MM for my new boxes today. But so far it has been too windy. So I'm just tending to what is already planted in the old boxes as well as sowing new seeds indoors and outside.

**trolleydriver** 5/4/2016, 4:59 pm

Even though it was a bit windy I decided to at least mix up my multi-part compost for the MM. The compost component consists of 4 parts of 4 different commercial compost products (e.g., shrimp, mushroom, etc.), 1 part of composted horse manure provided by a neighbor, and 2 parts of my own home made compost.

Since it appears that some of the commercial composts that I used have some peat in them (I can't tell how much), I am thinking of reducing slightly the amount of peat moss in the MM. I use a bucket to measure out the MM components and mix them in small batches. So I am thinking that for every bucket of vermiculite I will use 3/4 bucket of peat moss and 1-1/4 bucket of multi-part compost. Feedback is welcome on this approach.

**Kelejan** 5/4/2016, 9:45 pm

I like your approach, TD. Simple, and you cannot go far wrong.

Just like Mel's approach to gardening.

**Kelejan** 5/4/2016, 11:17 pm

trolleydriver wrote:It was one year ago on this day, May 4, that I joined this wonderful SFG forum.

I am so happy you did. Very Happy

That year has gone so fast.

**sanderson** 5/5/2016, 2:50 pm

TD, I think you are right on. Reading ingredients is important. If there is peat in the products, reduce the amount of pure peat in making the Mix.

**trolleydriver** 5/5/2016, 2:58 pm

I started to mix the MM and fill the boxes this afternoon. But I had to stop because of the wind and especially the wind gusts that were blowing the vermiculite away and folding up the tarp that I was using for mixing the ingredients. I tried mixing some small batches in a wheel barrow but the dust created by the wind was too much. I could have tried damping things down with water but I prefer to mix things when they are dry and then wet each batch after it goes into the box.

Here is what I have done so far today.

Ingredients on the tarp ready for mixing. I only do small batches so as not to hurt my back.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1612_zpshsswvlot

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1612_zpshsswvlot

After mixing.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1613_zpsvside7cz

Into the new box.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1614_zpsxfx08uvp

After spreading out and to be followed by wetting down before the next layer goes in.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1616_zpsd30wxach

**sanderson** 5/5/2016, 3:10 pm

Good photos. I use a cement mixing pan on top of the old redwood picnic table. Small batches. But I really wet the vermiculite + peat to keep the dust down, then add the dry-ish compost. And, I try to stand up wind. Smile

**trolleydriver** 5/5/2016, 3:21 pm

sanderson wrote:Good photos. I use a cement mixing pan on top of the old redwood picnic table. Small batches. But I really wet the vermiculite + peat to keep the dust down, then add the dry-ish compost. And, I try to stand up wind.

I'm going to try that. Tks.

**trolleydriver** 5/5/2016, 7:05 pm

I manged to get the first box filled as well as half the second box; then I ran out of compost. I've got plenty of vermiculite and peat moss some of which I will need for my new Table Top if I ever get it built.

**Scorpio Rising** 5/5/2016, 8:11 pm

Congrats on you and Mrs. TD's anniversary!

**trolleydriver** 5/5/2016, 8:56 pm

Here is an update on indoor/outdoor starts.

First, the onions on the left growing in ugly looking TP tubes. The Pink Pampas Grass (in the middle) has been moved from under the grow lights to a sunny second floor window. The Swiss Chard (on the right) has been growing indoors for weeks.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1619_zpsboalbo4j

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1619_zpsboalbo4j

These Kohl Rabi were started outside in a plastic fruit juice bottle.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1622_zpsfdbrxwkm

Calendula under the grow light.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1624_zpsrvxdthgl

Various Peppers.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1627_zpsgicvc6dp

Various herbs which are really taking their time to grow.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1628_zpshz2fm3vt

The Lobelia are coming along nicely.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1630_zpsir7me4f2

Marigolds are looking really good.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1633_zpstz37ph96

Big Beef Tomatoes lookin' fine.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1634_zpsg4gmv6ji

Roma Tomatoes starting to pick up the pace.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1635_zpsczjntpfb

New Marigolds.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1636_zpsr1ukqfid

And finally the Pak Choi.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1637_zpskw12wd1h

There are others that I did not photograph.

countrynaturals 5/5/2016, 10:53 pm

Trolley, I see that you use all different ways to start your seeds. So do I. Do you have a preference? (I like Jiffy Pellets better than anything else, except for large seeds that sort of pop out of the tops.)

**trolleydriver** 5/5/2016, 11:04 pm

countrynaturals wrote:Trolley, I see that you use all different ways to start your seeds. So do I. Do you have a preference? (I like Jiffy Pellets better than anything else, except for large seeds that sort of pop out of the tops.)

No real preference but I'm leaning toward the Jiffy peat pots as well as the plastic cells.

countrynaturals 5/5/2016, 11:21 pm

trolleydriver wrote:
countrynaturals wrote:Trolley, I see that you use all different ways to start your seeds. So do I. Do you have a preference? (I like Jiffy Pellets better than anything else, except for large seeds that sort of pop out of the tops.)

No real preference but I'm leaning toward the Jiffy peat pots as well as the plastic cells.

CapeCoddess 5/6/2016, 1:25 pm

Nice starts, TD! Well done!
Will you be transplanting that kohlrabi? I never thought of that. Have you done it before?

CC

**trolleydriver** 5/6/2016, 2:04 pm

CapeCoddess wrote:Nice starts, TD! Well done!
Will you be transplanting that kohlrabi? I never thought of that. Have you done it before?

CC

I will try transplanting the kohlrabi. I've never done it before. In fact it's over 30 years since I last grew kohlrabi and that was in a regular soil garden. I'll probably direct sow some seeds outside as well.

**trolleydriver** 5/6/2016, 3:15 pm

Mrs TD is so kind to me even on this our 44th wedding anniversary day. She has given me the afternoon to finish preparing MM and filling the new boxes.

I decided to mix the MM in a wheel barrow rather than on a tarp. The boxes are full. The next steps will be to build and install the grid (I use window blind slats) and put down the wood chips on the paths.

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1638_zpsx5tjmfpn

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1638_zpsx5tjmfpn

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Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1641_zpsueioplwa

**trolleydriver** 5/6/2016, 5:29 pm

Just in case anyone is interested, here is how I make the grids for my SFG boxes.

I begin with 6 long aluminum slats from an old Venetian blind.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1642_zpsluvbigug

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1642_zpsluvbigug

I used this old hole punch to create 1/4 inch holes where the slats will intersect.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1643_zpsko3ofudu

Here you can see a couple of the holes spaced 12 inches apart. To cut down on measuring, I actually punch the holes in three slats (stacked on top of each other) at a time.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1645_zpsftgsoa8b

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1645_zpsftgsoa8b

I use 1/4 x 1 inch bolts and nuts to hold the slats together at the intersections. The photo shows the slats upside down. When finished the bolt sticks down into the MM. The bolts and nuts add enough weight to prevent the slats from blowing away when it is windy.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1647_zps4gewbqrq

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1647_zps4gewbqrq

The grid is assembled in place.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1648_zpsssvhpdos

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1649_zpse030uhi6

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1650_zps5wlnvoit

On these grids I folded the ends of the slats so that they stay inside the box and go down into the MM. On my previous boxes I allowed the slats to go over the sides of the boxes and folded them down on the outside.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1651_zps5nzksaos

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1651_zps5nzksaos

The finished boxes ready for planting.
Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1652_zps2ntlh0wt

**trolleydriver** 5/6/2016, 8:09 pm

One final photo for today. I transplanted Mrs TDs everbearing strawberries (10 plants) into one of the new SFG boxes. The front corner squares will have flowers.

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1654_zpspvubfdlq

Second Year SFG in Canada - Page 9 IMG_1654_zpspvubfdlq

**Scorpio Rising** 5/6/2016, 8:19 pm

TD, great pics! Mel is proud! I love you

CitizenKate 5/6/2016, 9:43 pm

It's coming together, I see, nice work! I like to mix my MM in a wheelbarrow, too, and use a spade shovel to stir it up. That works better when you don't have a second person to help you drag that tarp wherever you need it.

**trolleydriver** 5/7/2016, 9:57 am

I am starting to harden off some of my Marigolds, Calendula, Lobelia, Pak Choi, and Tomatoes that were started indoors. Also being hardened off are various flower transplants purchased by Mrs TD.

Still indoors under the grow lights there are Marigolds, Lobelia, Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Beets, Herbs.

Started outside in small containers on the front porch are Kohlrabi, Broccoli and Peas. The Peas need to be transplanted into the SFG ASAP.

Growing in the SFG boxes are Tulips, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, Multiplier Onions, Strawberries and Peas. The Peas have not yet sprouted. I need to get some radish seeds and a few other things sown in the SFG ASAP.

I will soon be starting indoors some Cucumber and Melon.

Planted by Mrs TD in the regular veggie garden are potatoes. Continuing from previous years in the regular veggie garden are rhubarb and raspberries.

SFG work planned for the coming week includes building a 2x4 Table Top and chicken wire cages for the new SFG boxes.

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