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Newbie in Tampa, Florida
5 posters
Page 1 of 1
Newbie in Tampa, Florida
Hello to all!
I made my "square foot" grid today out of cedar that was on clearance at Home Depot. It certainly isn't perfect but I'm no carpenter either. I think it'll be sufficient. Planted lots of seeds today. It was a perfect 75 degrees here today and great day for planting!
I made my "square foot" grid today out of cedar that was on clearance at Home Depot. It certainly isn't perfect but I'm no carpenter either. I think it'll be sufficient. Planted lots of seeds today. It was a perfect 75 degrees here today and great day for planting!
cjane- Posts : 4
Join date : 2012-01-20
Location : Tampa, Florida
Re: Newbie in Tampa, Florida
cjane, our Newbie in Tampa, Florida
I am exremely jealous of your warm weather right now, but know that I am glad not to have to handle your hot humid summers.
I found cedar strips to be great grid material.
Did you have trouble finding the five types of compost, or vermiculite or peat to make your Mel's Mix?
Please keep us posted on your progress and once you have passed the first seven days of membership, we hope you will share pictures as you go.
Again, Welcome!
I am exremely jealous of your warm weather right now, but know that I am glad not to have to handle your hot humid summers.
I found cedar strips to be great grid material.
Did you have trouble finding the five types of compost, or vermiculite or peat to make your Mel's Mix?
Please keep us posted on your progress and once you have passed the first seven days of membership, we hope you will share pictures as you go.
Again, Welcome!
Furbalsmom- Posts : 3138
Join date : 2010-06-10
Age : 77
Location : Coastal Oregon, Zone 9a, Heat Zone 2 :(
Re: Newbie in Tampa, Florida
Hey there! Glad to see that you are here and new to this method of gardening also. I will be starting up my garden late Feb.
Can you share with me exactly what kind of wood you purchased at Home Depot? Is it untreated?
Thanks!
Kimmykim
Can you share with me exactly what kind of wood you purchased at Home Depot? Is it untreated?
Thanks!
Kimmykim
kimmykim- Posts : 5
Join date : 2012-01-22
Location : 33624
Re: Newbie in Tampa, Florida
This weather is fantastic. We will pay for it later this summer. I keep telling myself that I need to plant some seeds, but I know we will get a February cold spell from seasons past. Oh well, I can always replant if they get destroyed.
Mike
Mike
CaptainKidney- Posts : 45
Join date : 2011-03-03
Location : Dunedin Florida (a Tampa suburb- zone 10A)
reply to comments
Yes, our weather has been fantastic, Mike! I went ahead and planted lots of stuff and will just keep my fingers crossed. I have a huge tomato plant that survived the cold spell we had. I'm just waiting for the tomatoes to start turning red!
Kimmy, I used cedar for my grids. It weathers well. Yes, untreated wood is a must when gardening!
Fursbalmom, I confess to using Miracle Grow garden soil. Vermiculite is $40.00 with shipping for just one 4 cubic bag! I could only find it online from a company in Illinois. Believe me , I want to make Mel's Mix but not at that price. I bought 8 - 1 cubic ft bags of the garden soil last weekend at Lowe's. It was marked the wrong price at $2.50 a bag. I got a real deal on it!! Alas, when I went back they had discovered their error. I still need to fill up more of my beds and will do do as the funds become available.
My local cooperative extension offers courses in composting , rain barrels and such. I just sign up for a canning course. I want to learn how to use a pressure cooker to can!
Kimmy, I used cedar for my grids. It weathers well. Yes, untreated wood is a must when gardening!
Fursbalmom, I confess to using Miracle Grow garden soil. Vermiculite is $40.00 with shipping for just one 4 cubic bag! I could only find it online from a company in Illinois. Believe me , I want to make Mel's Mix but not at that price. I bought 8 - 1 cubic ft bags of the garden soil last weekend at Lowe's. It was marked the wrong price at $2.50 a bag. I got a real deal on it!! Alas, when I went back they had discovered their error. I still need to fill up more of my beds and will do do as the funds become available.
My local cooperative extension offers courses in composting , rain barrels and such. I just sign up for a canning course. I want to learn how to use a pressure cooker to can!
cjane- Posts : 4
Join date : 2012-01-20
Location : Tampa, Florida
Re: Newbie in Tampa, Florida
Without trying to discourage you, I really cannot be clear enough that the Mel's Mix is what makes it work. Anything else will not work as well for a number of reasons including water retention and nutrient density. And the compost is the most important. That can be scrounged if you are really hurting. Check craigslist for people who allow manure collection and grass clippings are easy enough to come by as well as other veggie ingredients. Sometimes municipalities have compost free for the hauling or cheap. Do not scrimp on your soil. It is a one time expense but it matters. There is MM in bags too at Lowes. Believe me, I was really strapped for money when I started but I found a way. I made $12k that whole year.
I strongly encourage you to be scrupulous with the mix. You will be happy you did.
I strongly encourage you to be scrupulous with the mix. You will be happy you did.
Re: Newbie in Tampa, Florida
Btw, I agree that the vermiculite you cited is crazy expensive - there must be some cheaper around Tampa.
Re: Newbie in Tampa, Florida
Alrighty then. I did (finally) look in the vermiculite database on the home page. There are four sources listed in Tampa. One of those might be helpful.
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