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Re: Help! Nobody is replying

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

Dori:
No response is probably one of the most unnerving part of listserv participation. One common reason for no response is usually no one has anything to contribute to your request. 

Another common reason is lack of time, only two percent of Americans are farmers. What does that have to do with the price of rice in China? Nothing, but it means that most people who are on this listserv see gardening as a hobby. They may not even have time to do any actual gardening much less answering questions. DON'T BE DISILLUSIONED...KEEP SENDING MESSAGES.

I have been in your situation, and I have time right now to respond. You have a few questions that I may be able to address:

If a business sells an organic soil mix, but you aren't sure how well it will work, ask them if they have any plants growing in that particular mix. Also, ask if they can give you references in your area. Usually, if you see that their plants are successful in the mix that is good enough. 

Generally, the percentage of mix ingredients sounds good to me, especially for your area. Seattle gets a great amount of rain, and a sandy soil mix will ensure good drainage. For your area, I wouldn't add anything to that mix.

Sandy soil will not hold moisture, so you may want to check you plants if you don't get rain for awhile. There are many ways to do that, but I just stick my bare index finger as far down in the dirt as it will go. If I feel soil dampness, I don't water.

For tomato companions, try any plant that is low growing that doesn't attract the same types of insects that are attracted to tomatoes. Small dwarf marigolds are great because they do help repel insects from tomatoes. 

Go over to the Organic place you mentioned and strike up a conversation. Ask some other people in your area, who have nice gardens, how do they do it? All gardeners like to have compliments for their garden, and most gardeners love to share their experience.

Hope this helps,
Sheryl A. McCoy
Southern border of Zone 6
---
"Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her
patterns, so that each small piece of her fabric
reveals the organization of the entire tapestry."
-Richard Feynman


On Thu, 22 Apr 1999 12:37:02   Dori Vick wrote:
>Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html
>
>I sent out my intro last Saturday, in hopes that someone can help me with my soil question.  I am know ready to buy my soil and really would appreciate a response.  Now I know you all are busy, but I don't know anyone else to ask. Please help!!
>
>>1. There is a organic soil place down the road that has a garden mix 
>>which consists of:
>>25% Sandy Loam (don't really know what this is)
>>30% Sand
>>30% Manure compost
>>15% Alder compost
>>Is this a good starting soil?  What should I add to it? Vermiculite?
>>2.  I have 2 half barrels for tomatoes, is there a companion I can put 
>>with it until they get large?
>>3.  Any suggestions from any other Seattlites?
>>Thanks
>>Dori



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