yearly maintenance of SFGs

pugznploons

So last year was our first year doing a SFG and we used Mel's Mix, which we loved.  What, if anything, should we add to it this spring?  Some more compost?  More vermiculite or peat? 

kastle

just compost. typically he advises putting compost in the whole left when you take out your plants, but I just put on a good layer all over.

ChristyDM82

So along these lines... what about the squares that had a lot of roots in them after I pulled the plants out, esp. the zucchini?  Will they have decomposed over the winter or would it have been too cold?  I'm just worried I'm going to have to redo my Mel's Mix in these squares...TIA!

nitaw

Speaking of compost, I don't make my own compost. Is there a good brand at any of the big box stores that anyone can suggest? I'd check with the nursery near my office, but they close that location during the winter.

kastle

Christy_Daisy's_Mom:

So along these lines... what about the squares that had a lot of roots in them after I pulled the plants out, esp. the zucchini?  Will they have decomposed over the winter or would it have been too cold?  I'm just worried I'm going to have to redo my Mel's Mix in these squares...TIA!

If you pulled up the plant & all that is left are tiny, hairy roots, then don't worry about it.  However, if you didn't pull up the major roots (maybe just cut off the top?), you need to do that.  Just add compost.

ChristyDM82

kastle:

Christy_Daisy's_Mom:

So along these lines... what about the squares that had a lot of roots in them after I pulled the plants out, esp. the zucchini?  Will they have decomposed over the winter or would it have been too cold?  I'm just worried I'm going to have to redo my Mel's Mix in these squares...TIA!

If you pulled up the plant & all that is left are tiny, hairy roots, then don't worry about it.  However, if you didn't pull up the major roots (maybe just cut off the top?), you need to do that.  Just add compost.

 

Thanks!

alliapistor

My plan was to just add compost and then use my steel rake or small fork looking thing to mix it all up again.

redcabbage

Nitaw-

Check local farms for compost. I get a really good soil mix from a place called the compost farm and they deliver. See if there is something similar out your way.