Comments on: How to Make a Square Foot Garden

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:49 +0000

Jennifer: The cardboard was only intended to last the first season. The idea was that it would kill all the grass underneath. My guess is that the grass you have growing up is creeping in from the edges? I have mine surrounded by mulch, so I don’t have issue with grass creeping in. If that is your situation, you would want to use a thick landscape fabric underneath it all – and wrap it up around the outside of your box by about a 1/2 inch (so it stays hidden) and then staple it in place.

By: Jennifer Byam

Jennifer Byam — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:05:49 +0000

I had a square foot garden in my last house and loved it the only problem I had was the weed paper I used only lasted a couple of seasons and then I started to have a real problem with grasses growing through. I noticed that you used cardboard. How long did it last for you and did you attach it to your boxes? What other thing would you suggest as a ground cover?

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:21:30 +0000

Amanda: The health concerns with vermiculite comes from vermiculite that was mined from a certain mine prior to 1990. The vermiculite that came from that mine was contaminated with asbestos. However, that mine has been shut down for over 20 years, and any new vermiculite purchased today will be harmless. I too, have kids – four of ‘em – that love playing in the dirt and I have no concerns! If you still feel uncomfortable, you could use perilite. It doesn’t hold the water like vermiculite does, but many people substitute it.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:06:52 +0000

About to put our first square foot garden in this year! We are very excited. We are a little nervous about the vermiculite though. Not familiar with it at all. There was some health concerns mentioned on the health canada website about the dust, and to be sure it doesnt come into the home. I have two little ones that will be out in the garden with me…3 and 5. The little one will not keep gloves on and usually ends up covered in dirt. I’m concerned about the health risks associated with vermiculite. Any thoughts?. Possible substitutions for it?. Sand perhaps?. Thanks!

By: James Murphy

James Murphy — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 05:27:28 +0000

I have enjoyed reading all this information and am switching to SFG but am having no luck finding the course vermiculite in the Lethbridge area. Suggestions, anyone?

By: Kathy Brown

Kathy Brown — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 03:41:08 +0000

Hi Angie, My apologies for not replying! I just checked this post today for the first time since posting. I would be happy to talk to your group,except I am unable to do so this spring. I am building a new greenhouse and taking a Permaculture course this spring as well as getting my yard done. I used to work at a tree Nursery so my spring seasons were incredibly busy, I left that job so this year I will have more time to document and photograph my garden. If you are still looking for someone and would like me for the fall or next spring I could do that for you. I can be reached at kathybrown(at)xplornet.com Thanks!

By: angie setchell

angie setchell — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 05:13:36 +0000

Kathy, I am head of garden group in Leduc. Looking for speaker in April to talk about SFG. Would you consider it? Know anyone?

By: Lee

Lee — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:19:12 +0000

Help! i know its the end of the season and unfortunately my sf gardens were a total loss. Out of the three that i planted i have two (2) tomatoes. everything else died almost as soon as it came up, and everything was stunted, teeny weeny pumpkin plants, barely there carrots. It was heart breaking. Any ideas why? this isnt my first garden and i’ve never experienced such horrid luck. What did/didn’t I do? any ideas

By: Calees

Calees — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:33:37 +0000

Could be purple loosestrife, a noxious weed. Also blazing star (spicata) which is a better choice than loosestrife for planting. Also foxglove grows tall in the ditches. And yes, it could also be lupins.

By: Kathy Brown

Kathy Brown — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:59:14 +0000

Apache Seeds in Edmonton also sells large bags of vermiculite. Same price as Holes.
I’m on my 3rd year of SFG and am thrilled. Every year gets better too.