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Current date/time is 3/28/2024, 7:23 am
Search found 127 matches for 1
3 Tips For Saving Cold-Damaged Plants
David, Good video, especially for Floridians and other tropical gardeners who just experienced the worst freeze in over a generation. I just shared it on FB "Zone 9 Vegetable Gardening," along with the video about the 4 things you wish you knew when you started gardening in 2010. Spoiler alert! David recommends reading the 2nd or 3rd Edition of All New Square Foot Gardening as #1!.- on 1/2/2023, 11:52 pm
- Search in: Coastal & Tropical South
- Topic: 3 Tips For Saving Cold-Damaged Plants
- Replies: 2
- Views: 341
Hello from Alameda, CA
theDefeatedTech wrote:Thanks! Yeah I made two major mistakes on my Mel's mix. 1. I didn't count for expansion of peat moss so now I'm peat heavy and the top tends to crust over a lot and I have some roll off when watering. 2. I used a local compost that I later found out was composted from local city green bins.
Sometimes, one can luck out and the local green waste compost is good.
Good.So now I'm trying to correct the issue with adding compost and COARSE vermiculite (another mistake I made) to even out the ratio.
The soil has settled so I have some extra space. For the Mel's Mix this is what I have or is on the way:
1. Coast of Maine Quoddy Blend Organic Lobster Compost
2. Buildasoil Colorado Pinto Bean Compost
3. Oly Mountain Fish Compost
4. Malibu Compost Bu’s Blend Biodynamic Compost
Which of these were you able to source locally here in CA? I have had a heck of a hard time finding any more than 3 real composts. #2, 3 and 4 are good. Coast of Maine, #1, often has a fair amount of peat moss which will throw off the 3-way ratio in Mel's Mix.
5. Vermicompost from my friend's backyard
Always good. Worm castings are not a compost and yet it can be used as one of the composts in the blend. Because it's rich, and expensive for the volume, limit it to 5-10% of the total composts.[/quote]
6??. I have an all-organic mushroom compost I got locally here in Alameda. I've heard these are sterilized before mushrooms are grown with it so there isn't much microbiology. Then the mushrooms take a lot of the nutrients. So I'm not sure if this is helpful. But there is a lot of organic matter and lots of mycelium and it has great texture.
It would have been fine to use as is. Organic matter with great texture sound perfect. (as long as they didn't add peat moss at time of packaging.)
What I did is add some used coffee grounds I've been saving and also watered in some Mikrobs inoculant. Then I threw some red wigglers in to see if they can eat through the mushroom substrate and the coffee grounds. Is it worth it? I already have 5 so this would be a sixth. But given my previous failure I want to make sure I get as diverse compost as possible.
You will need to let it compost, or worm age it, for a while to break down the coffee grounds.
- on 8/3/2022, 11:31 pm
- Search in: Introduce Yourself
- Topic: Hello from Alameda, CA
- Replies: 14
- Views: 420
- on 6/13/2022, 4:31 pm
- Search in: Northern & Central Midwest
- Topic: Why are my Onions falling over?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1573
New compost bins X3
As OG mentioned, combine the piles into bin one. You want the raw pile a solid cube 3' high minimum in order to generate heat. Make sure it's really moist, lighting the fire, so to speak. Buy a 20*F compost thermometer so you can check the interior heat. 140-160*F is lift off. When it gets hot, turn into bin #2. When that heats up, turn it back to #1. And, so on.I bought an auger for our drill, and it about broke my arm when it got stuck. I then went to the gold standard and bought a manure fork at Home Depot.
Recommendation: To make it easier for you to turn from one bin to the other, I think you should cut the front posts off to flush or near flush.
Now, to totally make your day, you need a removable front for each bin, to keep the contents in. Something like this front. [I modified the lining over the years, but the front with removable slats was from the get go.]
Expand your ingredient search beyond leaves (at this time of the year). Produce and farmer market culls, horse manure, stable bedding straw waste, raw or boiled shrimp shells for trace minerals from the gulf, moldy alfalfa or oat hay that can't be fed to the animals, cotton hulls, produce processing plant waste, etc.
- on 2/21/2022, 3:08 pm
- Search in:
- Topic: New compost bins X3
- Replies: 17
- Views: 897
Square Foot Garden #2 and Compost
A 3-bin set up is the best. Ignore the signs. Fill #1 to the top and turn the hot compost back and forth between #1 and #2. When the compost is ready to use, it goes into #3.I was stuck with a single bin, which meant I had to take everything out and put it back in to turn it.
- on 2/15/2022, 2:42 pm
- Search in: Lower South
- Topic: Square Foot Garden #2 and Compost
- Replies: 2
- Views: 913
Landscape Fabric for 24" beds?
Fishtell wrote:Hi all,
I've read all the pro's and cons in this Forum re: to use Landscape Fabric or not but I don't recall reading any comments about the pro's and cons of putting fabric down to protect against weeds if you have a 2ft deep raised bed as we are building. "The Book" and discussions on this Forum are mostly about shallower beds.
We decided to go with the 24" in height beds to make it more comfortable to work in. My wife and myself are both over 65.
We had planned on filling the bottom 16" with topsoil , then 6" MM and leave 2" for Mulch if needed. Also we'd have plenty of room for deep rooted plants.
Our existing soil is clay.
QUESTIONS/Comments/
1. Do we really have to worry about weeds?
2. Will weeds find there way up to top?
3. There are a lot of big worms roaming around in the clay, some are 1/4" in diameter
4. How about just putting the fabric up the sides of the beds to prevent MM and Soil from bleeding to outside of boxes where boards tend to separate a little. ?
Alan from Asheville
Hi Alan, Welcome to the Forum!
Top soil sounds fine for the lower fill as long as it isn't a "blend" with compost or peat moss. The compost part especially will disappear over time and and leave the top soil shorter. Just make sure it is well watered and settled before adding the Mel's Mix, or the whole volume will settle.
I have mostly table top beds at 24". A little short for amending and planting, but a great height for tending and harvesting. Be careful of bird netting as birds can get trapped in it. Would chicken wire do the job? Or, colored poultry netting?
1. Basically, no. There are only a few plants that are terribly tenacious and you would know if you have any of therm.
2. See #1.
3. Those worms will eventually find their way into your beds. Another smiley face.
4. Fabric up the sides is fine for preventing bleeding at the seams.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t21775-update-2017-how-to-post-a-picture-located-on-your-computer
- on 3/12/2021, 3:57 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: Landscape Fabric for 24" beds?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 589
Hi from Colorado! Qs about mapping squares
Hi Christy, Welcome to the Forum from California!The first year should be about learning how each variety grows. Do plant vining and tall tomatoes on the north or west trellised side. Short stuff on the south or east side. Summer squash in the southern corners so they can spread out over the side of the bed. As far as crop rotation, I have no choice as to where I plant the summer peppers each year, or tall vining winter squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and beans. While it is a good thing to rotate beds, it has worked out okay for me to NOT rotate. Being in zone 9A, I have summer crops and winter crops with only a few small things like lettuce and radishes where I will harvest, then add more compost and plant another seed in the same spot. You will get the swing of things and each year you will be more and more comfortable with your SFG.
Having more than one bed in the garden area can help with crop rotation. Plants you grew in Bed #1 can be grown in Bed #2 next year. Etc.
When you get your plot plan sketched and penciled in, you can post it here and folks will help if there is anything critical. We love photos so don't be shy!
- on 1/29/2019, 6:41 pm
- Search in: Introduce Yourself
- Topic: Hi from Colorado! Qs about mapping squares
- Replies: 4
- Views: 644
Butterfly Junction
I finally found a number to get through to Suz.They have already evacuated twice and are waiting at the Animal Sanctuary to see if they have to go again. There are no hotels within a 100 miles. The Indian Casino opened their facility, filled up immediately and now there are folks sleeping on the floor. The blind animals have already been moved to a safe area but there are still dogs and other barn animals. The family is together and trying to figure out Option #3, with Options #1 and 2 having passed.
This is the fire map of the Carr Fire. The Blue Dot is where they live. Over 44,500 acres and only 3% contained. Suz said that if anyone saw the fire tornado on the news, it is not the one that they had, but they had one of their own.
Carr Fire Press Conference at 4 PM - July 27, 2018
"The fire became very active throughout the evening. Firefighters continue to work aggressively to build containment lines around the Carr Fire. Their efforts have been hampered overnight due to extreme fire behavior and challenging wind conditions. Continued hot dry weather is forecasted for the remainder of the week with triple digit temperatures. The number of damaged and destroyed structures reflected may change throughout the duration of the fire." 1,748 personnel, 110 engines, plus helicopters, bulldozers, etc. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/at-least-2-dead-scores-of-homes-lost-as-fire-sweeps-through-redding/ar-BBL78Mf?li=BBnbcA1
- on 7/27/2018, 8:53 pm
- Search in: Showcase of Gardens
- Topic: Butterfly Junction
- Replies: 944
- Views: 19090
Math Question
This is for those who like math.Question #1:
I have 6.75 cubic feet of homemade compost. I have 150 sq. ft. that will need 2" of compost in the next few months. How much compost will I need to make to top all of the 150 squares?
Question #2:
The tumbler holds 80 gallons which results in about half that amount of usable compost. How many batches will I have to make to have enough compost for the above bed amending?
- on 6/4/2018, 1:32 am
- Search in: Everything Else!
- Topic: Math Question
- Replies: 13
- Views: 816
Fourth Year SFG in Canada
At what stage do you eat the sunflower microgreens?I've done "most" of your #1.
- on 1/24/2018, 6:05 pm
- Search in: Canada
- Topic: Fourth Year SFG in Canada
- Replies: 644
- Views: 11995
Compost Heaps
A third bin is also great. Turn #2 into #3. Turn #1 into #2. Repeat going backwards. Or a third bin for finished compost.Have you started looking for bagged composts in case you need to supplement? Have you looked at this thread? https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t21089-recommended-store-bought-compost?highlight=compost
- on 9/24/2017, 4:52 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: Compost Heaps
- Replies: 42
- Views: 3096
Tips for compost tumbler
trolleydriver wrote:And if that does not work this thing may find itself advertised on kijiji.
I know how you feel. My Tumbler #1 stuff that was a bust is stored in the holey 33-gallon can. Just siting there. I hope #4 turns out as good as lumpy #2 and less-lumpy #3.
- on 8/25/2017, 7:17 pm
- Search in:
- Topic: Tips for compost tumbler
- Replies: 166
- Views: 13360
What won't you grow next year or are still trying to grow??
countrynaturals wrote:Robbomb116 wrote:I'm thinking of adding kale to my do not grow list. I love watching it grow, and it does pretty well actually, I'm just not sure if I like eating it enough to continue growing it. It also seems to be pretty susceptible to pests. I've kept it covered to protect from white cabbage butterflies yet still had some, and this year it's been an uphill battle with aphids. Just might not be worth the effort since there are other things I enjoy eating more that I could be growing.
According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of The End Of Diabetes and The Eat To Live Plan, kale is the #1 best thing we can put into our bodies. If you make any kind of soups, you can cut it up into small pieces and add it to your stock. It's pretty, you'll know you're doing a good thing, and the flavor is so mild (dwarf curly -- not huge old leaves from large varieties) that you'll never know it's there.
Interesting information re Diabetes and Kale. In fact, just a few days ago I told a diabetic friend that he needs to start eating more greens and in particular Kale.
I'm using my SFG grown Kale (Scotch Curled) in green smoothies.
- on 7/11/2017, 7:35 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: What won't you grow next year or are still trying to grow??
- Replies: 84
- Views: 4684
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Yep, Bin #1 looks ready.- on 7/5/2017, 10:21 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Three days since the last turning of Bin #3. Today I added more kitchen scraps and turned the bin 3 or 4 times.Bin #1 - 81F (current outdoor temp is 79F). This will be the last report for Bin #1 until I reload it and start a new batch.
Bin #3 - Before today's turning 117F.
- on 7/4/2017, 5:05 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 - down to 85F (outside temp today is 75F)Bin #3 - down to 100F. After taking the temp reading I added kitchen scraps, leaves, shredded paper, coffee filters and coffee grounds.
- on 7/1/2017, 3:01 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
The temps in both bins are down.Bin #1 - 88F
Bin 33 - 115F. This bin has yo-yo temps. I think it is too small to generate and hold good heat.
- on 6/30/2017, 2:29 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 - Down another 2 degrees to 92F.Bin #3 - Rebounded 17 degrees and is back up to 132F since turning yesterday.
- on 6/29/2017, 1:02 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 - 94F (down just 2F).Bin #3 - 115F (down 17F ... wow!). After measuring the temperature I added more leaves and kitchen scraps and I turned the tumbler 3 times. The instructions state to turn it 3 times every 3 days.
- on 6/28/2017, 12:52 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
- on 6/27/2017, 12:32 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 - Holding quite steady. Now at 103F which is 2F lower from yesterday.Bin #3 - Took a big jump up from 108F before tumbling yesterday to 130F today.
- on 6/26/2017, 3:59 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 - 105F (unchanged)Bin #3 - 108F (down 2F). After taking the temp I added some kitchen scraps and turned the tumbler three times per the instructions.
- on 6/25/2017, 6:25 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
- on 6/24/2017, 12:26 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 (3x3x3) - down very slightly to 108F.Bin #3 (EnviroCycle) - up from 76F at start to 97F today. The current outside temperature is 74F.
- on 6/23/2017, 1:12 pm
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
Bin #1 compost looks like mine. I used about half of it so far as top dressing/mulch. The Red Wigglers are loving it. They are flocking the the interface zone between the MM and the compost. Also, the compost gets really wet when I water.I know Jimmy Cee has a composter like #3 but I think he called it just a toy (??) as he has that great 3-section compost bin. I can see your point about this model being hard to turn. It's low to the ground and the finger grips are shallow. It looks like it would be easier to just roll it around on the ground.
The used model I bought is higher with deep finger grips so I turn it using the triceps (bat wings) and my weight. Easy on the back. Also, it is set up in the flower bed about 5" higher still.
- on 6/23/2017, 2:58 am
- Search in: General SFG Talk
- Topic: TrolleyDriver's Compost Thermometer
- Replies: 317
- Views: 11981
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