Square Foot Gardening-Update

I am continuing to love the idea of Square Foot Gardening and I THINK IT IS WORKING!  So far, I have planted some cool weather crops.  Its funny--before reading the book, I didn't know there were cool weather and warm weather plants--I had a lot to learn!!  I planted spinach, carrots and radishes from seed.  Onions were sets, and I bought transplants for lettuce and red swiss chard.  Everything seems to be coming along just fine.   I'm a bit worried about the carrots, they just look so fragile!  I bought seeds for short, baby carrots.  I probably won't plant carrots again, they are just so reasonably priced at the store, and they take up 2 squares, which will only produce 32 carrots.  I know my girls will have them eaten in a week, so it doesn't seem worth it.

As you can see in the picture, I built a cage to keep out bunnies, squirrels and birds.  It has worked beautifully (see Square Foot Gardening book for directions). When I first planted seeds, I covered the cage in plastic using wooden clips to keep it in place.  It created a wonderful environment for the seeds to keep moist, warm, and safe from wind and hard rain.  It was not much fun to build... chicken wire is not my best friend, I needed a manicure after working with it!  I have to build one more cage for my second bed so I can get some warmer weather crops going.  I will also have to build some type of support for vining plants, like cucumbers and squash.

swiss chard

I have really liked the soil mix I am using.  It is called "Mel's Mix" from Square Foot Gardening.  It is amazing how long it stays moist, and the texture is just perfect. It is 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 compost.  He gives details about the mix in the book, it is a little pricey up front, but each year you just have to add a bit more compost to your beds, so it is a one time expense.  I will be mixing up another 1/2 batch for my tomato, pepper and green bean pots.

I have tomato plants and pepper plants happy in my sunroom, ready to be planted out in pots, in a week or so. My little sugar snap pea seeds sprouted, they look so cute raising their little heads to the sky!  I also started some lettuce mix and basil transplants, and both have sprouted and are looking good. I bought herbs and will show you my herb pot soon, and write a post on our little strawberry patch. Whew.

So far, so good!!
Any comments, thoughts or advice is appreciated!

This post is linked to:
Saturday Is Crafty Day @ Along For The Ride
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
Made It Mondays @ The Persimmon Perch
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Show And Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Sunday Favorites @ Happy To Design
Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home