Posted: 3/25/2010 9:02:43 PM EDT
|
I am an newbie ant SFG an am install y boxes this weekend. The big question is are their any feasible alternatives to "Mel's Mix?" ( 1/3 compost, 1/3 Peat Moss and 1/3 vermiculite) I was not aware of the cost for the soil and damn near had a heart attack when I found out. I'm building 2 - 4x4x6" boxes for a total of 16 cubic feet of material needed. Where I live, north of Austin I have about 2" of topsoil before I hit rock, so raised beds are my only option. Thanks, |
| I used about 45% peat, 45% compost and 10% vermiculite, it worked really well. The reasons you don't want to use soil is mainly weeds and drainage. If you add actual dirt you're gonna end up with quite a bit more weeds, plus the drainage won't be quite as good. If I were you I'd use a 40% peat, 50% compost and mix in some vermiculite, the stuff is kinda of pricey but... |
| look for bulk compost around town I'm sure there is a place that will sell you compost for around $40 a yard at the high end. That is much cheaper than buying it in a bag and the ingredients are a wide range of materials. I went with probably 60-70% compost and made the rest of it up with the vermic and peat. |
|
Do not try to purchase vermiculite at the garden center.
I got it for about 7.85 a bag here, this was a huge bag, needed a contractor bag to cover it. Try a pool refinishing /manufacturing company. Google! Find a friend with a pickup or have a load of compost delivered to your driveway. That is the best way to get your initial compost. Do not confuse mulch with compost. The purpose of mulch is to stop stuff from growing. Start your own compost bin, make it big, for the next years additions, leaves, grass, veggie trimmings even coffee grounds. That leaves you with peat. I don't have a great idea for you here other than to look for an advertised loos leader in your area. im me if you have questions I am in - Katy Texas try these guys Quaternity Corporation the (512) 473-2193 4003 Brookview Rd Austin, TX 78722 just a quick googgle, I know nothing about them edit: Updates from Mel mention that in some locals the peat or the vermiculite were either too pricey or not locally available. If this is the case just use more compost. no more than 1/3 peat and no more than 1/3 vermiculite. for optimal performance. Do a test, plant some leftover seeds in pots to gage your results. all peat, all compost, all vermiculite. All vermiculite is basically hydroponics. All peat is really bad, all compost has the best in nutrients, but is a poor soil as it is, buy it's very nature, shrinking and collapsing, not a good soil by itself. |
|
Quoted:
look for bulk compost around town I'm sure there is a place that will sell you compost for around $40 a yard at the high end. That is much cheaper than buying it in a bag and the ingredients are a wide range of materials. I went with probably 60-70% compost and made the rest of it up with the vermic and peat. This is what I do! The local waste management company swings by weekly and picks up compostables seperate from the trash. Then they compost it. I USED to go to their composting facility and have them fill my truck for about $20. Since then I've discovered that they deliver to the local township dept of public works and I can shovel as much as I need into my truck for free! I used 100% compost in my two raised beds last year, and tilled in a shitload into the dirt between the two beds. Everything I planted last year did great. 100% compost was the best green and red peppers that I've ever gotten. K |
| I use raised multiple 4x16. I have read the book and do follow some principles. I guess I am lucky to have cows/horses. Each winter I feed them 16 bales of hay. I just let them in. In spring, on the ground, there is much wasted hay left over. But this hay is also mixed with urine and manure. I just piled them up high. I use this for next year. It becomes like soil in couple of years. |
| When I build new beds I go to a construction company (gravel pit type) and buy a truckload of top soil. Last load was $12.50 a ton. Then I go to a local nursery and buy a yard of bulk compost for $53.00.......Mix about equally by volume. If your topsoil is really full of clay add in some sand and peat moss. Then go get a chemical soil test kit from Home Depot for 3 bucks and test it.....You should be GTG. |
|
Quoted:
Do not try to purchase vermiculite at the garden center. I got it for about 7.85 a bag here, this was a huge bag, needed a contractor bag to cover it. Try a pool refinishing /manufacturing company. Google! Home Depot in the insulation section. Or Lowes or Menards. "Thermo Rock" or "MicaFlake" = Vermiculite. Loose Insulation fill for attics. 3.5 cu ft. for about $11 locally. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Do not try to purchase vermiculite at the garden center. I got it for about 7.85 a bag here, this was a huge bag, needed a contractor bag to cover it. Try a pool refinishing /manufacturing company. Google! Home Depot in the insulation section. Or Lowes or Menards. "Thermo Rock" or "MicaFlake" = Vermiculite. Loose Insulation fill for attics. #.5 cu ft. for about $11 locally. (0 reviews) Vermiculite Products Inc (713) 869-6663 3025 Maxroy St Houston, TX 77008 map $7.75 plus tax for a 4.0 cubic foot bag |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Do not try to purchase vermiculite at the garden center. I got it for about 7.85 a bag here, this was a huge bag, needed a contractor bag to cover it. Try a pool refinishing /manufacturing company. Google! Home Depot in the insulation section. Or Lowes or Menards. "Thermo Rock" or "MicaFlake" = Vermiculite. Loose Insulation fill for attics. 3.5 cu ft. for about $11 locally. great tip! ty |