This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: starting out in the garden

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

>On 26 Aug 99, Kevin Henson wrote:
>
>> I am reading the original book, and am feeling somewhat overwhelmed. 
>> Any suggestions on how to plan a garden and keep the rotation up?  I
>> am guessing it must be trial and error, and it would be a good idea to
>> keep a journal.

Aw, Kevin, just wade right in. ;-)

Personally, I find I can make myself just CRAZY (and get nothing DONE in the
process) by thinking too hard about what to do and how to do it. You know:
follow the rules, don't make mistakes, plan for this that and the other. 

LOL. Just do it. I literally wasted opportunities to be learning-by-doing
this year (my first at gardening at all, let alone square foot) by doing
just that -- trying to figure out WHAT to do and how.

As for crop rotation, I thought Mel had some info in there about that?
(Might be wrong about that -- I've read so MANY gardening books this year
trying to become an experienced gardener overnight.) If not, perhaps some
good folks will share their plans and experiences on the subject?

I was a little surprised that you're feeling overwhelmed. I found Mel's book
exactly the opposite. I had been feeling totally overwhelmed by *learning
gardening* this year UNTIL I found Mel's book. He made it seem manageable to
me. Maybe when you get a little further along . . . ? But then, he had MY
attention (and excitement) from the get go when he explained why gardening
has always been done in rows before, and why that's not necessarily the best
way. Hey, I'm for *easier*as it applies to almost anything.

How 'bout starting a Fall Garden (or are you already planning to do that)? 

And I'd vote for raised beds, myself, which I love. For one thing, we grew
some corn and melons in an area that we hadn't prepared the square foot way
(just needed to get something PLANTED and quick! before time completely ran
out on us this spring), and I could see how easy it is to walk all over it
all unless the areas are thoroughly marked off. 

Plus all the other advantages I read about -- including not disturbing the
soil (except the first time if you do it Mel's way, which I'm rethinking
slightly these days). On the Organic Gardening List there's been a HUGE
discussion about not disturbing the soil (and the mycorrhizae fungi which
are incredibly important) by tilling and so forth.

And yes, I think a journal is a good idea (if you're the type -- otherwise
maybe just a calendar with annotations, like my dad used to do). I'm keeping
a journal -- and I've learned recently it's not *extensive* enough. For
instance, I prepared two beds one way (soil amendments), and two beds
another way and I don't think I kept track of the details. Phooey. Oh well,
live and learn -- and for me, that's never been truer than with gardening. :-(

This is a great list, though, and some very nice and knowledgeable folk will
hold your hand (if you want that), answer your questions, provide a little
morale support. Can't beat that. (Now if they'd just come do a little
weeding -- scratch that. What I really need is some shovel work. <g>)

Patricia
Zone 7b, West Georgia


______________________________________________________________________
To unsubscribe, write to sqft-unsubscribe@listbot.com
MSN Messenger Service lets you stay in touch instantly with
your family & friends - Visit http://messenger.msn.com
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index