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!

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!

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

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

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!

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.

Btw, I agree that the vermiculite you cited is crazy expensive - there must be some cheaper around Tampa.

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.