Convert raised bed

gfish 4/10/2018, 8:53 pm

I have raised beds 16'X4' and wondered about the soil mix. I read Mel's original book back when it first came out. Over the years with moves and other stuff I have had raised beds that deviated from the original concept to the point I had forgotten most of it. I recently purchased the new book. My soil is a mix of peet, 3 different composts and some mulch. Being in Florida I could use more moisture holding capacity. Would it work to just mix in some vermiculite? I could remove some of the mix I have to give space. Thanks Gary

**jimmy cee** 4/10/2018, 10:59 pm

gfish wrote:I have raised beds 16'X4' and wondered about the soil mix. I read Mel's original book back when it first came out. Over the years with moves and other stuff I have had raised beds that deviated from the original concept to the point I had forgotten most of it. I recently purchased the new book. My soil is a mix of peet, 3 different composts and some mulch. Being in Florida I could use more moisture holding capacity. Would it work to just mix in some vermiculite? I could remove some of the mix I have to give space. Thanks Gary

Good compost has excellent moisture holding characteristics. Include a quality top mulch, that will help a lot in holding moisture in. I'm not sure about the constant humidity you have there and what it will do in growing mix.
Vermiculite will certainly help, however if you go beyond the suggested formula...1/3rd each how nutrition will be affected. I can say it wont help...mulch should not be in the mix, only used on top for retaining moisture.

**sanderson** 4/11/2018, 1:18 am

Hi, Gary. Welcome to the Forum. $glad you\'re here$ If I understand correctly, you have a mix of peat moss and 3 compost with mulch on the top. ?? Mulch is for the top to slow water evaporation and/or keep the soil cool during the heat of the summer. I would mix in some coarse vermiculite. It takes in water and releases it when needed.

**AtlantaMarie** 4/11/2018, 7:06 am

Hi Gary. Welcome from Atlanta, GA! Glad you've joined us!

I would agree to mix in some vermiculite & then mulch on the top...

gfish 4/13/2018, 4:02 pm

Sounds like a plan. Thanks

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Convert raised bed

Convert raised bed

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	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.