Oi vey. We had to retroactively add drainage holes to our raised beds today. The snooty woman at the gardening store chided us for not having proper drainage holes (and for growing in six inches of soil rather than 12). I was fully intent on ignoring her until I realized that Mel advised the same holes. I must have missed that part.

Since the beds are full of dirt already, it was quite a chore to push the dirt to the side (several different ways within each square foot) and drill a hole.

But that’s the labor of love, I suppose.

The temperature drops tomorrow, so I plan on planting … Read More

A reader of this blog, Spazholio, asked: “What are the benefits to square foot gardening over just planting a regular ol’ garden?

Quite honestly, I can’t compare the two different approaches from practical, empirical knowledge. When I decided to start a garden, I sought out my favorite kind of knowledge: Book Knowledge. I scoured online bookstores for good gardening books. I was roped in by the back cover of All New Square Foot Gardening:

“If you want to grow more vegetables–and flowers–in less space, All New Square Foot Gardening is for you. Author Mel Bartholomew takes you through his proven Square Food Gardening method adopted by satisfied gardeners for … Read More

I convinced Matt (without much persuasion needed) to make the trek to the gardening store. We are now armed and ready to plant:

1. Burpee’s Heirlooms: Carrot Touchon (Sweet & Tender)
2. Burpee’s Heirlooms: Radish French Breakfast (Crisp & Zesty)
3. Burpee’s Heirlooms: Pea Thomas Laxton (Delicious)
4. Botanical Interests: Spinach Bloomsdale
5. Onion sets (um, like 200 bulbs)

We’re going to wait until Mother’s Day for the tomatoes and zinnias.

The “Plant Doctor” was on call and we asked her to test our soil. When we explained that we do “square-foot gardening” she was very snooty and almost didn’t even want to test our “potting mix,” as she called it. She also insisted that … Read More