Mel's Mix

Macjim 3/10/2010, 11:10 pm

I was looking at my grid today and realized that a square foot is not a big area. How do you think it's possible that in 864 cubic inches (12 X 12 X 6) there's enough nutrients available to grow...let's say, a Tomato which can produce 30 lbs? As it is only 1/3 of the mix is compost.

I guess the real question is... If you used a pot with the same 864 cubic inches and the same planting mix would you get the same results?

Thanks

Sonoran Garden 3/11/2010, 9:57 am

The amazing answer is YES!

Many SFGers use pots, and other forms of containers to make their square foot gardens. I have my 4x4 beds, 2x8 beds, 4x12 beds, 18 inch pots, and clay pipe cylinders that are 12"x15" lined up in a row.

The key to success in long term SFG is replenishing the compost each time you replant. Be generous with the compost you add back to restore the nutrients needed for the next plant - bring the compost in the square back up to the new level. I am amazed at how quickly compost decomposes and reduces in volume but it releases so many nutrients for the plants to use.

gridgardener 3/11/2010, 11:33 am

if worries about nutrients you could always go with mels 1981 book mix formula

kghouston05 3/11/2010, 8:53 pm

gridgardener wrote:if worries about nutrients you could always go with mels 1981 book mix formula

Could you provide the ratios for this mix?

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