Adding to squares

greatgranny 7/2/2012, 11:37 pm

First, the boxes have settled quite a bit since I built them last fall. Should I make more mix this fall and add to it to make it like it should be? Guess I didn't read the book enough... Embarassed

Also, when adding compost to get ready for replanting - it is done right before planting, right?

boffer 7/2/2012, 11:49 pm

Settling is normal, and when you clean it up, it will fluff up some. Some folks add extra MM to raise the level, and some folks just add extra compost to raise the level. You can do either or neither! Just be sure to add your trowel full of compost to each square before you replant. Which you're already planning on doing.

You can wait until you plant to add the compost if you want to. I like to add compost as soon as I harvest, even when I'm not replanting immediately. It gives the weeds (if any) a chance to show up and get picked before I plant. No more wondering if that tiny little green thing is a weed or a vegetable seed emerging.

Windsor.Parker 7/3/2012, 7:01 am

boffer wrote:... I like to add compost as soon as I harvest, even when I'm not replanting immediately. It gives the weeds (if any) a chance to show up and get picked before I plant. No more wondering if that tiny little green thing is a weed or a vegetable seed emerging.

+1
Another true advantage of using MM!
Adding to squares 3170584802

landarch 7/3/2012, 9:43 am

I would add some compost right after the boxes are harvested, and water in well to settle the soil...then repeat several times to minimize settling later on.

My deep box has settled by almost 50% since spring.

greatgranny 7/3/2012, 12:04 pm

Thanks so much for your replies. I think I will not go with the adding more MM. I know that if I fluff up what is already in the boxes it will look different. Have some compost cookin' right now that should be ready by the time I need to add as suggested.

We get some pretty heavy snows and that also tends to compact the boxes. I wonder if I should have added this spring. Well, we live and learn.

Sponsored content

Adding to squares

Adding to squares

Re: Adding to squares

Re: Adding to squares

Re: Adding to squares

Re: Adding to squares

Re: Adding to squares


	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.