New in Northwest Georgia

Hi all,
We are working to complete our square foot garden in time to get my strawberries in the ground.
I am the daughter of Furbalsmom (from PNW region) but did NOT inherit her green thumb!

I am in Northwest Georgia, and we actually had frost on Thursday morning, and mid 30s this morning, although it is hopefully all warmer from here!

In the past, I've used an old tractor tire as a strawberry bed, until the fire ants and slugs made it to where we were going to have to refill it in order to use it.

I am a big fan of DE (diatomaceous earth) although I know it is rough on the earthworms. I use it for fleas, mites, and fire ants with success.
Also use it on my racing pigeons and white release doves.

Yes, I have quite a bit of old pigeon poop waiting to be worked into the soil, and I am hoping it has been sitting long enough to not burn. (I am thinking the pile from over a year ago should be good).

Besides the SFG, this week we planted 2 peach trees, 2 red dogwoods, and a star magnolia bought at a flea market. Also have 6 green grapes and 5 Granny Smith apple trees (very small) waiting to go in the ground. Hubby is finishing his grape arbor, then he will build my box so I can fill it with Mels Mix.

The '5 different types of compost' is looking like the hardest for me. I have the bird poop, but will have to shop for the rest I think.

Welcome to Ga and to the SFG forums. Wow an orchard in the making. Looking forward to your posts of progress.



Mike

Pike Nursery's carries worm compost, steer compost, mushroom, and black hen. That should give you five. They are also one of the few places around Atlanta that has vermiculite.


Beth

Pike's Nursery also carries a Forest Products compost. Last year they had Bat Guano but I have not seen it this year. They do have Vermiculite but it is expensive 29.99 per 4 cubic foot bag. I found it for $10 cheaper at an old time feed and seed store.

I am at the feed store often and will check today.
Realized that I also have some well aged goat manure in the old barn( goats enjoy the new barn).
Trying to think where a Pikes is near me, I honestly rarely leave my county.

Pike's locator page seems to be broken, but I googled "Pike Nursery Cartersville" and it brought up a nice map of Pike locations. Looks like the closest is in the Acworth/Kennesaw area. Definitely worth checking any local feed stores to.

Beth

Furryfeathers,

Now your Mom has another way to check up on you.

Yay! My box is filled!

I stopped yesterday, picked up more feed for the racing birds, and asked about the other stuff.

Turns out, I spent about $40 to buy peat, vermiculite and 2 types of compost to add to what I had at home.

So I bought
Black Kow
Mushroom Compost

And added my own:
Pigeon Compost
Goat Compost
Composted grass clippings

Moved the two strawberry plants from the old tractor tire, and have another 8 or so to plant.
The squash will have to wait until i get the tractor tire moved and get another bag of vermiculite to mix up enough to re-fill the tire in a new location.