should mels mix be compacted?

greengrass 3/11/2013, 9:35 am

now i know you will say no, but i thought i would get your
thoughts on this, as certain plants like cabbage, broccoli, etc
need to be in firm soil from what i can gather.
will these and other plants that need firm compacted soil work
ok in mels mix?
it seems so light and fluffy that i wonder if it will "hold" plants like
it should.
will it not be too loose or should i firm in plants that need it?
gg

**llama momma** 3/11/2013, 10:02 am

You can transplant them deeper. Before I knew this the plants tilted over till it touched the soild then straightened itself out. I'm planting deeper this year to avoid the issue.

greengrass 3/11/2013, 3:59 pm

llama momma wrote:You can transplant them deeper. Before I knew this the plants tilted over till it touched the soild then straightened itself out. I'm planting deeper this year to avoid the issue.

thanks for that.
my beds will be plenty deep so i can do that.
anyone else have these problems?
gg

**camprn** 3/11/2013, 8:57 pm

I would not plant the seedlings too deep. I usually have to add extra compost on top of the MM after the plants are well established, adding extra nutrition for the plant and to help stabilize the roots as the plants get larger.

jonny6 3/13/2013, 11:33 pm

greengrass you are using an anquated theory about planting cabbage, broccoli, etc needing firm /compacted soil.
The reason for method is not that it helps the plant the method is because of windy condition in certain places in uk. the orginal wording is not is not compacted or firm but consolidated soil which is mix of materals. But as you garden you you sometimes be confused by many antiquated and misunderstood gardening methods.
To grow cabbage, broccoli, etc in windy areas it is better set up wind guard then to compact the soil which limit head size and slows plant growth.

**Kelejan** 3/13/2013, 11:35 pm

$glad you\'re here$ jonny6 happy hi

Just noticed your first post. First of many, I hope. Very Happy

quiltbea 3/13/2013, 11:41 pm

Regardless of antiquated expressions or current light mixes or not, cabbages should be transplanted up to its lower leaves, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, brussel sprouts up to their seed leaves and of course tomatoes deep, leaving only their top few branches of leaves above the soil.

Sponsored content

should mels mix be compacted?

should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?

Re: should mels mix be compacted?


	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.