New to SFG in Canada

Hi,  I am just starting to set up a 4x4 SFG.  I have found vermiculite, peat moss and 3 forms of compost ( sheep, cow and a mix of yard compost).  I am unable to find 2 more.  Am I okay to start with just 3?  I was thinking I could mix in a few coffee grounds as well.

I am excited to start growing some veggies

Thanks for the advice.

Ali

Welcome, Ali. I think you're good to go, but please wait for the experts to weigh in. I'm a bit of a maverick around here. 

Hi Ali. Welcome from Atlanta, GA!

You do what you have to do. Don't know your area, so... I WOULD recommend you start your own pile just as quickly as you can. Check the search area for lots of threads on the subject.

The coffee grounds should be fine. Worms love 'em!

What all are you planning to grow?

Hi Ali, Welcome to the Forum from California! I think it would be okay to get started with the 3 composts you have found, IF they are real composts and don't have pieces of wood in them. No soil amends, toppings, or other fancy names. Just composted material. If there is wood in them, screen them out as best you can as wood ties up nitrogen as it breaks down. I used a product when I started in 2013 that wasn't real compost and had a lot of little wood pieces in it. The garden just struggled as I tried to find real composts. I'm guessing for the compost blend, one measure of composted sheep manure, one measure of composted cow manure to three (3) measures of yard compost. Mix and then measure for the one part of blended compost to the one part vermiculite and one part of FLUFFED peat moss. Peat moss almost doubles when it is fluffed.

Keep us posted on your journey and post photos. We love photos.

Your Canadian Host Kelejan and your neighbor Trolleydriver will be along soon to welcome you.

I like this thread with photos of composts others have found. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t21089-recommended-store-bought-compost-photos-of-composts?highlight=compost

HI Ali, welcome from you neighbour in Ottawa.   Wishing you much success with your new SFG.  

Where have you looked so far for compost? As already mentioned, the best compost is what you make yourself. You may want to try to find out if there is a Certified SFG Instructor in your area who can provide advice on where to get compost. But go ahead with the three you have.  

We are here to help so ask questions, post photos, etc.

Thanks for the Welcome!! 

To answer a few questions....I am planting tomato, cucumber, 2 types lettuce, 2 types bean, 3 types peas, cantaloupe. carrots and a bunch of herbs.

I've checked all the local garden centres for compost, that is where I finally found the yard compost.  Thanks for the reminder to remove any pieces of wood, however, it looks clean.

I was thinking on cow, one sheep and 3 yard compost was the way to start

My city does a day in April where I can go the and get compost from our Green Bin program....I will do that next year as well as hopefully having my own.

My teenager has built the box and is building a chicken wire cover this week for it (Lots of raccoons, rabbits,  squirrels and birds that like to feast on my gardens ) 



Question:  Can I plant a strawberry plant in it?


Thanks for the help!

Ali

Ali'sGarden wrote: . . Question:  Can I plant a strawberry plant in it?

Thanks for the help!

Ali

Are you asking if you can plant strawberries in Mel's Mix? Absolutely!

sanderson wrote:

Ali'sGarden wrote: . . Question:  Can I plant a strawberry plant in it?

Thanks for the help!

Ali

Are you asking if you can plant strawberries in Mel's Mix?  Absolutely!

I have a 4x4 SFG bed dedicated to everbearing strawberries. They throw out lots of runners so need to be kept under control.

 



Sorry, I don't know why two rotated when I added them.

Nice!  Whatcha growing?

Ali's Garden  

from Kelejan who is your Canadian Regional Host plus all the other Canadians whol help especially Trolley Driver who is usually abreviated as TD. TD is in Ontario so he has a better idea then I have as I live in British Columbia.

You already have some answer to questions so you have a great beginning.  Your 4x4 bed looks good.  In case I have missed it, making one's own compost is a great way to go, but as a newby it takes time to get to that stage.

Again, Welcome Ali.
Kelejan

PS There is a Regional thread named "CANADA: What are you doing in June 2018?"

Welcome Ali's Garden! Your box looks so nice and sturdy. I love your cage. I built a similar one this spring, but it doesn't look nearly as nice.

Ali

sanderson wrote:Ali

+1