Growing SFG in San Diego

okobojiswimmer 4/10/2012, 10:29 pm

I was told by a gardening expert at a local nursery that Square Foot Gardening doesn't work in San Diego. That it is a method for the northeastern US only. Any comments?

CindiLou 4/10/2012, 11:06 pm

Look on the homepage for the regional forum. We have several that are in Southern California and quite successful.

southern Cal

Chopper 4/11/2012, 2:42 am

okobojiswimmer wrote:I was told by a gardening expert at a local nursery that Square Foot Gardening doesn't work in San Diego. That it is a method for the northeastern US only. Any comments?

Hahahahahaha!!!!! Some expert in every part of the country is tasked with saying that. It is just plain silly. Mel developed a lot of his techniques while in Florida - as unforgiving a climate as we have.

I can tell you what I had a bear of a time with in SD - row gardening! I did not start SFG until I was in Temecula and it was my first successful garden. EVER. And I am no spring chicken.

Why people feel a need to bash what is successful, I have no idea. Stupidest statement this week. And guess where Mel is right now - in San Diego and helping with gardens all over the city. He is trying to get something going at the Convention Center as we speak - a green roof that also feeds people.

What a dufus your expert is!!!

okobojiswimmer 4/11/2012, 5:42 pm

thanks, Cind Lou and Chopper. I will go ahead with my plans to start.

okobojiswimmer 4/11/2012, 5:43 pm

Chopper,

Is Mel giving a presentation here?
Where could we find the details?

Chopper 4/11/2012, 6:16 pm

okobojiswimmer wrote:Chopper,

Is Mel giving a presentation here?
Where could we find the details?

As far as I know he is not. He did give one awhile ago at Balboa Park but I have no idea if he has plans to repeat it. He was the guest of the epiphylum society. I believe the web page (see link at top of page) would have his speaking schedule.

I know he was talking about having his next three day symposium here.

tabletopper 4/12/2012, 3:29 am

I am in Chula Vista.......and started SFG in 1991.....my whole back yard.....now I do table tops because its difficult to bend down....

Its amazing all the things we can grow in this location.....and how many people still dont understand the system......Happy Growing....Ruth

No_Such_Reality 4/12/2012, 12:49 pm

SFG works, the biggest issue you'll have is your microclimate. And of course, Cali's perennial backwards calendar for planting compared to the East/MidWest. http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zone-san-diego-area-00418000067314/

Three main books are essentials: Sunset Western Garden Book (used to find your microclimate), Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening, and SFG of course. You may not agree with a lot of what Pat's guidance is, however, the most useful thing in it is the monthly calendar for SoCal. Other's like "52 Weeks in a California Garden" has similar clues, but is more flower oriented.

The main concern I have with SFG in SoCal and Mel's Mix is the water use and proper water management.

Chopper 4/12/2012, 3:30 pm

The thing to remember is the vegetables are not low water plants. They will never be xeriscaping. An automated system is useful or place them so they catch your current sprinklers. Once I accepted that nothing comes of trying to minimize water for veggies, my mind was able to relax. I think the MM holds water as well as anything. I often had a dry crust an found the interior moist. But, during the summer, I watered every day.

Sponsored content

Growing SFG in San Diego

Growing SFG in San Diego

Re: Growing SFG in San Diego

Re: Growing SFG in San Diego

SFG in San Diego

Where's Mel in San Diego?

Re: Growing SFG in San Diego

Re:SFG in San Diego

Re: Growing SFG in San Diego

Re: Growing SFG in San Diego

Re: Growing SFG in San Diego


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.