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Re: Mel's book

I don't think it's heretical. In fact Mel might tell you a few things are
untrue as well after using the method for a few years. We often talk on the
list about modifications that we've made to the system after using it for a
few years. I haven't found anything in the book to be way off base, but
depending on your soil's productivity/fertility/tilth, you may need to
adjust the spacing or work more compost in or use a foliar fertilizer more
often.

Here's what I've changed. I don't bother growing squash by the square foot
method as I think squash takes up too much space in the garden -- unless
you can trellis them. But even then, for my space and requirements I prefer
to grow squash in mounds outside of the Sq.Ft. area, or I tuck seeds into a
passive compost pile.

Others will have other suggestions gleaned from their experiences. The
first year I used the Square Foot method we pretty much did it by the book.
We found that we needed more than the recommended squares for two people as
we eat and preserve a lot of vegetables. During that year we took notes
about what worked and what didn't work and where we needed less or more
space. The following year we modified it accordingly.

I will tell you this. The soil that we've been nurturing in our square foot
beds is the most friable, rich, fertile soil on our plot. If you follow his
instructions for enriching your soil you will be making one of the best
moves ever. I would definitely recommend that you get your soil tested
though to see what you really need. It's a shame to waste money to spread
lime on your bed if your soil pH is perfect....

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask anything on the list. Was there
something specific that sounded "off" to you when you were reading?

--Natalie

>I am fairly new at sqft gardening and have been reading through Mel's
>book. What I would like to know (seriously, though I know it will sound
>"heretical") is, has anyone found anything in the book to be untrue? What
>advice would you give from your experience that would save us beginners
>some mistakes as we begin the 1997 gardening season?
>Rob


*******************************
Natalie McNair-Huff
Publisher/Editor Mac Net Journal
http://www.blol.com/web_mnj/

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