Re: First time square-footer

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I have a few low  wooden planters set on pieces of scrap wood- just so they are not directly on the cement and they do not have holes in them- the spaces between the boards seem to allow for drainage just finedirt does come out a bit tho-Infact- I have trouble keeping them watered enough- they dry out fast-!!!!!!!! put alot of vermiculite in there.I get the great big bags for about ^4 at home depot and mix with the fluffy compost and the rest of the mix to keep it from being so"blow away" and drying out so fast. That's the thing they never tell you about raised beds and containers- you gotta water water water!!!I am pplanning on doing some "wick" watering where I don't have soakers set up and where I am am not am to water everyday.- My neighbor tucks gallon jugs of water round his containers and planters and runs cotton(like clothesline) twine from the jugs to the plants- then he fills them up every few days and knows that even if he misses a few days they will be ok. Am also going to try the upside down soda bottle with the holes drilled in the lid thing  and the bottm partially cut loose thing- buried near the plants- but in trying that with my indoor planters this winter- I can say that by the time you make room for the darned bottle and keep fooling with it- you might as well just go ahead and water the dumb plant. I must be doing something wrong.I only have ONE water faucet so coming up with a system to go all the way around my house and take care of all my gardens and containers with soakers and drippers just hasn't worked so far(there's probably a way- just haven't had the brainstorm or the bucks or the muscles)so depend on lots of hand watering and whatever funny shortcuts I can find.  BUT-If you can set up a drip sytem you will be able to keep up with the watering with no problem.WOW!!!!Don't I sound like I know what I am talking about???????????!!!Drrrr.Today I couldn't remmber which way was South  on my property and which way was west(brainfart brought on by lack on sunlight) and had to sing a song about the "sun sinking in the west"(Oh yeah -it's over thataway) to get my bearings. argh- rain rain go away- I need you sun!Remind me to put those rock or slate or cement or whateverkind- of pathways in before next year guys- if things weren't such a mucky mess of mud and dog poop out there- I could be doing SOMETHING-at least the garden stroll! Went out there during a lull in the downpour yesterday and "mud"skated right into the fence and then ricocheted  right into the comfrey bed. It made the neighbor kids laugh and scared the wits out of the dog (I think my banchee yell did that)and Rod kept snorting chuckles the whole time he was rubbing tiger balm on my shoulder. I am glad to provide such comic relief to this cabin fever struck neighborhood during this- our darkest time. Nobody's gonna get none of my danged tomatoes if they don't watch out.Grumble grumble.I hate it when spring teases me.-Teri  ----- Original Message -----
From: a*@esargent.org
To: s*@listbot.com
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 8:38 PM
Subject: Re: First time square-footer

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

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I haven't tried what you describe, but I'll be trying planter boxes this year. 2' wide, 4' deep, 4' long. In Mel's book he describes what soil is best for planters. I won't have holes on the bottom, but I'll fit the bottom lumber loosely for drainage. I don't want too much drainage because the planters will be on wheels, so it would look messy. Hope that helps.
 
Annie Sargent
a*@esargent.org
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: w*@home.com
To: s*@listbot.com
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 8:11 PM
Subject: First time square-footer

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

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Hello all!
My wife and I have been gardening for a few years now with a lot of success, but a lot more weeding and frustration.  We've participated in a community garden through out local extension office and have experienced what the author of Square Foot Gardening refers to when he talks about how most folks approach gardening in the spring and then run out of steam mid-season.
 
We live in an apartment and I am considering building a raised platform on sawhorses to sit outside our patio.  Maybe start with just one this year, or maybe 2 - one for me and one for my wife.  My question is about drainage.  In the book, the author makes no comment of drain holes in the plywood bottom of a patio box - he even refers to using plastic instead of plywood if the box won't be moved.  Because he talks so much about good soil, watering, etc., I found it odd he said nothing about drainage holes in the box.  Is this a misprint, oversight, or are they really not needed?  I'm looking at using 2x8's or 2x10's for a 4 foot square box.  Anyone out there used something like this successfully, maybe you live in an apartment too??  We'd love to hear from you, and thanks!
 
Paul Jones
Louisville, KY
 
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