Beds with bottoms (above ground)---fertilization and pics?

14 years ago

Hi All,

Does Mel ever say anything about the fertilization needs of the boxes he builds above ground, with solid bottoms? (The ones he shows for senior citizens all appear to be thriving, so it's gotta work, right?)

Snibb, what does Mel recommend?

For those of you doing their SFGs with wooden or plywood bottoms, what do you use for fertilier, and how often? Care to share pics for inspiration?

Yes, I realize these kind of beds are essentially very large containers and not really "raised beds." (I guess Mel didn't get the memo he can't grow things this way. LOL) Anyway, the container forum doesn't have the info I am looking for about organics, so I'm hoping someone here who is actually growing in these kinds of bed/contaiers can tell me what they use for fertilizer, whether they're using Mel's Mix or some variation on Al's mix.

My beds are 4'x4' and 2'x4', with plywood bottoms and wheels, so that I can wheel them around my concrete patio as the seasonal light changes. Last year was my first year with SFG and I had less than stellar results, but I think there could have been a whole slew of reasons including my inexperience watering, no mulch, late planting, and I started my mix with a mixed compost that was heavily bark-based. This year I'm giving it another go: earlier planting; more consistent watering, mulch. I also amended the Mel's Mix with lots of really rich compost and about 15% chicken manure. And things are doing GREAT, for now. I'm expecting at some point in the growing cycle I'll need some fertilizer during the growing season, and I'd prefer not to have to drench my beds weekly with Miracle Grow in order to do this.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-kmama

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Comments (8)

gmreeves
14 years ago
It has been a while since I read his book but I'm pretty sure he says you don't need to fertilize with mel's mix. As you tend to pull up plants and replace them, he recommends just adding more compost. Which really is fertilizing.
eaglesgarden
14 years ago
Mel does not recommend fertilizing. I do recommend fertilizing, especially if you are unsure about the nutrient diversity of your compost. A soil test would tell you if you are lacking some nutrients, so that you know what to add. If not, simply add a balanced fertilizer...10-10-10 or a 5-10-5. If you are looking to stay organic, there are some really nice, balanced fertilizers available. Fish emulsion and kelp meal are two options. (They can be a little odor, so open it outdoors if your olfactory is sensitive.)
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engineeredgarden
14 years ago
I agree with Eaglesgarden. Some extra fertilization is needed, and there's all kinds of fertilizer a person can buy (whether organic or not).

EG
Melissa Houser
14 years ago
As one who has actually used raised beds above-ground, I can tell you that I did fertilize lightly. I used a miracle grow product specifically made for veggies and lightly sprinkled it over the top of my soil right before I planted this year's garden. I don't know that it was necessary, but it made me feel better and my garden is thriving...I got to visit it a couple of days ago. :(

My "new" garden is raised beds without bottoms and is doing fine, but it is 100% compost. Once I find my missing camera, I'll post some pics.
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
14 years ago
We have fertilized throughout our ~9000 year agrarian history. Why wouldn't we fertilize today?

Dan
engineeredgarden
14 years ago
Dan - Ha! You whipped that (geeky) word out, didn't ya! I'll have to look that one up! EG likes big words....

EG
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
14 years ago
EG, with Firefox you can highlight, right click, and choose which dictionary to get the def.

Nonetheless, we should remember that we have done this for a long time.

Dan
garypetro
14 years ago
I built 2 elevated beds this year and have pictures and details on my blog at http://www.thepetros.com/category/Garden.aspx

I'll be fertilizing lightly with Vegetables Alive once it arrives.

Gary

Here is a link that might be useful: My Blog