What to do with soil in boxes from last year?

jillschmill 4/15/2014, 12:02 pm

This will be my 4th year doing SFG and each year's crops seem to be worse than the previous one. One issue has been voles in my yard, which we are dealing with, but that's not the only problem. However, I am wondering if I don't start the year off right.

I have soil in my boxes from last year. Each box definitely could use some additional soil added, which is what I've done from year to year. I add new Mel's Mix, then stir up the new and old together and refill the boxes. Is this bad? Am I supposed to start fresh each year? Please help.

Thanks!

**donnainzone5** 4/15/2014, 12:36 pm

I made that mistake for a couple of years, too!

No, don't add new Mel's Mix; just level each square with fresh 5-way compost, preferably homemade.

You've been diluting the nutrients in your Mel's Mix by adding more peat and vermiculite.

jillschmill 4/15/2014, 12:38 pm

Oy! Donna, thank you! Wow, that will be MUCH easier than what I've been doing the last few years, and hopefully I'll have an actual YIELD this year!

Huge help - thank again!

**camprn** 4/15/2014, 12:39 pm

The remedy is simple. Remove the grid, fill the box with home made (or like Donna said, 5 way) compost. Stir it up , place the grid and plant. There is no reason to make more Mel's Mix.

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What to do with soil in boxes from last year?

What to do with soil in boxes from last year?

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Re: What to do with soil in boxes from last year?

Re: What to do with soil in boxes from last year?

Re: What to do with soil in boxes from last year?


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