Replacing concrete with veggie garden

kb75

We just had a lot of concrete removed from our yard, including a large concrete pad that formerly had a hot tub on it. It's the prime spot for starting a veggie garden. Aside from adding new soil, is there anything I should do to prep that spot?

JameRoo430

I'm really sorry.  I have no idea, but out of curiosity was it expensive to have the concrete removed?  We were thinking of having our back patio replaced and I wouldn't want it to be as large as it is when it is replaced.

Hey Jellisy

You will want to have the soil tested.  Concrete has a lot of lime in it and can affect the PH of the soil.  I highly recommend you do a raised garden bed filled with either "Mel's mix" from square foot gardening (basically compost, vermiculite and peat moss (or peat moss substitute - there are some concerns that peat is overfarmed) or other soil mixture recommended by your local garden center.  It is expensive to do the first year, but your veggies will thrive and produce a lot more ad in future years you will only need to amend with compost (free if you make it at home).

kb75

JameRoo430:

I'm really sorry.  I have no idea, but out of curiosity was it expensive to have the concrete removed?  We were thinking of having our back patio replaced and I wouldn't want it to be as large as it is when it is replaced.

We had two large pads to remove and a lot of pathway. We got two quotes - one for around $3K and one for around $1200. We had prior experience with the person who gave us the lower quote, and he did a great job. I think a lot of the expense has to do with the disposal, because it's so heavy.

sunshinedoll

kb75,

I actually work with Triscuit and we are heading a ?Home Farming Movement.?  We included plantable seed cards in specially marked boxes of Triscuit to encourage people to grow their own herbs and vegetables at home.  On our site, www.triscuit.com/homefarming, we have a Crop Guide that provides suggestions as to which crops are best for your climate.  Additionally, there are also helpful tools that give you step-by-step tips on how to start. Keep me posted with your progress!