Re-using an SFG box next year

delphi7 6/14/2013, 7:02 am

I'm new to the forum so please forgive me if this information is someone on the site already. I'm new to SFG and very excited to start using it to grow most of my crops. I didn't see any information in the book about how to prepare the box for the next year's planting. Do I have to put all new Mel's Mix in the box before replanting or just add compost or what?

**camprn** 6/14/2013, 7:05 am

You just add compost, that's it. Welcome to the SFG Forum!

Goosegirl 6/14/2013, 7:09 am

Delphi7! Like Camprn said, add compost and you are set! According to the book, add a trowelful of compost in each square when you harvest that square and it is ready for the next crop, whether that is immediately or the next season.

GG

**camprn** 6/14/2013, 7:28 am

You may add more compost than just the trowel full, if you have it.

cpl100 6/14/2013, 9:39 am

I found that my Mel's mix settled considerably over the winter (despite topping it off before winter). I added the trowel full of compost but then realized I really needed to add Mel's mix or the sun would never reach the seeds. So I also added more Mel's mix, minus the peat.

**camprn** 6/14/2013, 10:08 am

There is absolutely no reason to add more Mel's Mix for year two and beyond. Mel doesn't recommend it either. I also have settlement of the growing medium each year and I top off the box with quality homemade compost and mix it in well.

cpl100 6/14/2013, 10:36 am

So, next time I will just add compost to refill. Thanks.

**donnainzone5** 6/14/2013, 11:12 am

After my Mel's Mix settles, and it always does, I find that fluffing it with a trowel adds about an inch to its depth. So, I simply add enough compost to level it out.

delphi7 6/17/2013, 4:53 am

thanks to everyone that replied!

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