What I learned...

altagarden 5/18/2011, 11:54 pm

I have rented a community garden plot - in addition to my own backyard garden - and I have learned two new things about SQFT gardening.

1) Mel's Mix is awesome. Dirt with a few inches of dry compost isn't. Mel's Mix just feels so much nicer and is easier to work with. In my home garden I still need to supplement with organic plant food, but I now know it's worth it.
2) I can't actually plant without the grid. I thought I could guesstimate with two seasons of square foot gardening under my belt but it was impossible, especially with my kids distracting me. I am going to have to make the grid.

Old Hippie 5/19/2011, 12:02 am

Altagarden, I have tried planting without the grid before too, and it doesn't work very well. The grid really helps with the spacing. Even if I put more seeds in per square than what is actually recommended, the grid helps me know where to put another type of plant. It is like the tray in the cutlery drawer. It helps me keep the different utensils separated so they are easier to find and keeps the drawer looking neat.

Gwynn

pattipan 5/19/2011, 9:36 am

Totally agree about the grid and the Mel's Mix! With all the rain we've been having most of the local farmers are still waiting to plow up their gardens. My Mel's Mix may get saturated, but it is never muddy. I can run out between rain showers and plant. Which I need to do today! I see the sun peeking out now...

pattipan

quiltbea 5/19/2011, 11:17 am

I, too, have community garden rows and make do without a grid.
I learned that the width of my 4 fingers is 3" and the width of my fingers and thumb across is 4" so I measure that way in my rows when I forget to bring my ruler.
I just draw the intended 'grid' with the handle of my trowel.

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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.