Square Foot _ Raised Bed

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Comment by Pema on April 30, 2009 at 7:13pm

I created a 4'x8' box and filled it with "Mel's mix" (1/3 each peatmoss, vermiculite and compost) I have had poor results. Plants stunted or dying off. I believe now that the mix provides too much drainage and so I would have to water every day and perhaps twice a day to keep it all moist. Not sure how to correct it so there is less drainage. Any ideas.

Comment by Ivy B on April 30, 2009 at 6:36pm

Hi Peter,
Don't forget either perlite or vermiculite. Also, either cow, chicken or horse manure (bag or dried, NOT fresh!) Time is moving on? Where do you live? We had a frost warning last night.....
peace,
ivy, ny

Comment by Peter Gleason on April 29, 2009 at 8:43pm

Hi all - I've known about square foot gardening for years but this year I'm going to do it. I've finished the frame for a 3 x 8 raised bed. Now I need to fill it (dirt, compost, stuff from Home Depot ??) and then get it planted. Time is moving on!

Comment by Una on April 9, 2009 at 11:43am

Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up going with Peat. The bead are filled with soil, we finished the irrigation yesterday and will start planting today! I did get my vermiculite through U-Line, I get my packing material from them anyway and they are an easy drive for me. The local garden center wanted $33 for the same amount I paid $23 for, so it was worth the 15 mile drive!

Comment by Margaret Patterson on April 8, 2009 at 7:57pm

Una, RE: coconut coir. When you go to the nursery or hardware store, you might try asking for "Mulch Block (brand name)," or "coir mulch" rather than coconut coir. I was in town today and found it inside our favorite hardware store by the small bags of potting mixes on a top shelf—where I would never have looked. If you do a web search for “Mulch Block,” you will find it is available even through Amazon.com. I bet the stores you frequent have it, the clerks just don’t know that “Mulch Blocks” are coconut coir. Good luck.

Comment by Paula on April 7, 2009 at 9:39am

Thanks for the link Joy. Interesting stuff. Put my two raised beds together over the weekend and filled them. It's very exciting!!!

Comment by Margaret Patterson on April 6, 2009 at 10:16pm

Una, you can order GrowCoir Coconut Coir Fiber by the brick (makes 5-7 qts) for $2.95 or by the bale (makes 50-70 qts) for $15.50. from www.planetnatural.com. I'm in Idaho, and it will cost an additional $11.00 to have it shipped to me. You might be able to find it for a better price at another online source. For me, it makes sense to order it rather than try to track it down, as it takes me over an hour through back country hills to get to any kind of store; therefore, I consider it a good investment in time and fuel. According to Mel Bartholomew's website, you only have to invest in coconut coir or peat moss once for each bed. (I will be going with coir myself.) Good luck. Margaret

Comment by Una on April 5, 2009 at 8:35pm

I'm not sure if this has been discussed, but is there a substitute for Peat Moss? I can't find the coconut coir around here in SoCal and people look at me sideways for even asking the question! I'd prefer not to be responsible for destroying an ecosystem. I know on the SFG website they say you only add it to your beginning mix and I might be able to live with that, unless I can find an alternative. Thanks, Una

Comment by Joy Williams on April 5, 2009 at 11:49am

Hi David, and welcome to KGI. Most organic gardeners will warn you off those because the treated timber have formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals that will leach into your soil and thus your veggies. If they are untreated, then I don't see a problem. Where do you find them untreated?

Two of these stacked would be a great height for a raised beds, even better, 3. I just don't know where you would find them untreated.

Comment by David Hipskind on April 5, 2009 at 8:53am

Sorry, typo... I meant 8' not 8".

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