Hello From Florida Panhandle

I'm new to the site but not not new to SFG as I had the original book back in the 1970's while I was in Illinois. Now, many years later, I am south of Tallahassee, zone 8, have built three 4x8 1 foot deep raised beds, using composted soils from local nurseries. The soil here is more sandy than anything else. I am in my second year with these, working on the fall crop now, harvesting broccoli and lettuce, but my cauliflower planted next to the broccoli, has not produced heads. Any thoughts?

A member named "Boffer" posted on this very subject today...https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t8727p150-fall-contest-show-us-your-biggest-brassica-broccoli, it's near the last post! check it out, and welcome!!

Welcome to the forum, ltiggis. SFG has changed a lot since the 70's. Mel wrote another book, copyright 2005-6, called the ALL NEW SFG. On the first page of his new book, he calls his original SFG an antique because the new method is so much better! Can you believe it?! It's so much better, that we are seldom of much help supporting the old method because the new method uses a soil-less medium. You can learn more about it in this informational post, and the new book can be found at the library and fine book sellers everywhere.

Regarding cauliflower and broccoli, what I am seeing in my SFGs is that temperature is the major influence on head development. But most of my experience is working in the cool temps. I would think, given your location, that you are working in the upper temp limits of the veggies. Hopefully, someone with experience in your climate will be able to help you out. The forum is a bit slow right now due to the holidays and being off-season in most of the U.S.

Welcome to the forum ltiggis!

My cauliflower, also planted next to my broccoli, is also very far behind my broccoli, which I harvested several weeks ago. I'm not any help to you, just sharing in your question, really. *shrug*

So... you're not doing the All New SFG method (with the Mel's Mix)?

gwennifer wrote:Welcome to the forum ltiggis!

My cauliflower, also planted next to my broccoli, is also very far behind my broccoli, which I harvested several weeks ago. I'm not any help to you, just sharing in your question, really. *shrug*

So... you're not doing the All New SFG method (with the Mel's Mix)?

Thanks for the reply. Correct, not using the new method at the present time but plan to move forward with the new method in my next 2 new beds this spring.

I think you'll like the changes. And, welcome aboard. We are a friendly bunch. If you poke around a bit, you will quickly find that out this time of year.

Hope to see more of you. Feel free to get involved and ask any questions you have. I imagine your experience will also prove invaluable. Great to have you.

itiggis,

How wonderful to have an experienced SFGardener join us.

You are in a position to make side by side comparisons of the original SFG method and the All New SFG method and I think you will really enjoy the newer method. I also started with the orginal method, digging and amending my existing garden soil. That certainly was a lot of work and certainly grew nice veggies. The new Mel's Mix has definately made my gardening life easier.

Again, Welcome and we look forward to hearing from you.

My cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts were a bust this year, but the broccoli did surprisingly well.