Introduction

Hi, my name is Linda and I'm new to square foot gardening and this forum.  I'll need lots of instruction as I go along.  I have 4x4x8' garden beds with soil that worked will last year.  This year I thought of using Mel's mix but have had second thoughts.  Cost and labor are why.  Now I'm leaning towards just adding compost.

Welcome to the Forum, Linda. I'm glad you joined us, and would encourage any lurkers out there to join in also. It would be a great source of time and labor saving if you can get your hands on the second edition of SFG. The medium used in your raised bed is the key to a very productive season. I started raised bed gardening about the same way you did-with just garden soil and a little compost blended in and it was productive, but I had problems keeping it moist enough and fertility levels bottomed out before the season ended. I also noticed that I was plagued with weeds that I transported along with the garden soil, and made a lot extra work getting rid of them. My neighbor turned me on to Mel's approach to gardening, and things really started to work, and I was no longer frustrated with my frequent gardening flops.  We are here to help you along the way, so don't be afraid to ask anything.

Hi Linda. Welcome from Atlanta, GA!

Yardslave is correct. And once you have the Mel's Mix in there, it's a matter of renewing just the compost. So it's really just a one-time expense. And well worth it...

What are you planning on growing?

Hi Linda, Welcome to the Forum from central California! Yes, do get a hold of a copy of All New Square Foot Gardening. I will explain why we like the SFG method so much. Yes, expense at first, but then just keep adding compost for each planting. Less weeds, less water, same or more productivity, happy microbes turning the compost into usable nutrients.

We are here to help you. And we love photos!

Hi Linda, Could you tell us your mix when you filled your raised beds? I agree about reading the book and understanding why Mel's mix works well. I also understand if the beds performed well last year why change. Perhaps a soil test this year before or after adding the compost just to have a reference point. Another soil test next year will give you the direction your garden is headed as you try to have the healthiest soil possible. After that every 3-4 years if no problems should give you what you need to confirm your method is working.

Hi, Linda!  It's good to see you here on the forum!  Later in the spring, I should be available to give you one-on-one assistance, if you need it.