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Re: coarse vermiculite

Sarah,
You may want to try a commercial seed starting mix for seedlings. It holds
more water.  The standard advice for arid area gardeners, especially those
where the wind blows, is to sink your beds.  Dig down about a foot and build
a humusy soil that is about 8 inches deep.  That leaves you with a four-inch
depression, which helps with drying from the wind and evaporation.  Mulch
thickly, too, to stop evaporation.  Since diseases spread by humidity and
moisture are NOT your problem, let tomatoes and other vine plants sprawl on
the paths between beds.  Less water loss that way.  Think about placing some
of your beds in the shade of structures or large bushes and trees.  Situate
them so that they get the full morning sun, and are shaded by 3 pm.
Incorporate lots of compost and other organic materials into your
soil--shredded barks, shredded leaves and any other local materials of an
organic base, such as corn field trash--shred or compost it.  There is help
for gardeners like you through Native Seed SEARCH in Tuscon, AZ.  They have
plenty of materials on sinking beds, etc.  And, ask local gardeners for
their advice.  Meanwhile, if the vermiculite is a problem, don't use it.
Mel wrote his book based on his own experiences in Long Island, NY, where
the growing conditions are entirely different than in your area.
Good Luck!!
Doreen Howard

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