All New Square Foot Gardening
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Do you know what the best feature is in All New Square Foot Gardening?
1) New Location - Move your garden closer to your house by eliminating single-row gardening. Square Foot Garden needs just twenty percent of the space of a traditional garden. 2) New Direction - Locate your garden on top of existing soil. Forget about pH soil tests, double-digging (who enjoys that?), or the never-ending soil improvements. 3) New Soil - The new "Mel's Mix" is the perfect growing mix. Why, we even give you the recipe. Best of all, you can even buy the different types of compost needed. 4) New Depth - You only need to prepare a SFG box to a depth of 6 inches! It's true--the majority of plants develop just fine when grown at this depth. 5) No Fertilizer - The all new SFG does not need any fertilizer-ever! If you start with the perfect soil mix, then you don't need to add fertilizer. 6) New Boxes - The new method uses bottomless boxes placed aboveground. We show you how to build your own (with step-by-step photos). 7) New Aisles - The ideal gardening aisle width is about three to four feet. That makes it even easier to kneel, work, and harvest. 8) New Grids - Prominent and permanent grids added to your SFG box help you visualize the planting squares and know how to space for maximum harvest. 9) New Seed Saving Idea - The old-fashioned way advocates planting many seeds and then thinning the extras (that means pulling them up). The new method means planting a pinch- literally two or three seeds--per planting hole. 10) Tabletop Gardens - The new boxes are so much smaller and lighter (only 6 inches of soil, remember?), you can add a plywood bottom to make them portable.
Of course, that's not all. We've also included simple, easy-to-follow instructions using lots of photos and illustrations. You're going to love it! |
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| 07-02-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I have been using Mel's original SFG method since my mother first gave me the book over 20 years ago. Bought this updated version as a gift for a friend but snuck a peek at it first. The new method sounds even easier and more productive, so I will be purchasing another copy for myself!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-12 01:09:27 EST)
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| 07-02-08 | 3 | 0\1 |
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There are some very useful ideas here if you can stomach the author tooting his own horn on nearly every page while knocking other styles of gardening. I read a review before buying the book that said something similar and wish I'd just checked it out from the library. The system is workable, simple, and surely a nice gardening solution for many people, but it's not a book I'd need to keep on the shelf as a ready reference.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-12 01:09:27 EST)
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| 07-02-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I bought this book because I wanted some information on gardening intensively in raised beds. The best things about the book are the plant spacing guides and the timing charts in the back that help you know when to plant what, according to your frost dates. These are absolutely essential for the first time gardener, and I've referred to them many times. Aside for that, I don't care for Mel's writing style. He somehow comes off as pompous and condescending: "If you don't do __ , you don't have a square foot garden!" I don't care if I don't have a square foot garden, as Mel has defined it. I deviated from Mel's soil mix by purchasing landscape soil from a local company. My mix is 20% topsoil, 50-60% leaf compost, and the rest is sand. I also went 12 inches deep with the soil. It's nice to plant tomatoes deeply, and put carrots wherever I feel like it. Many, many people have admired my garden. It is incredibly productive and beautiful at the same time, with pictures that rival the author's. Oh, and that's another pet peeve--I wish the book had a few more photos, especially of trellised crops like tomatoes and melons. I can understand the need to start from scratch with your soil if you live in an area with terrible soils, but here in MI, the soil is nice to begin with. There's absolutely no reason to ignore great local resources if you have them. Instead of spending a fortune on the soil mix, I put my money into great-looking composite raised bed kits.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-12 01:09:27 EST)
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| 06-27-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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All New Square Foot Gardening
Great! Very helpful in saving time, space, and water. Very productive way of gardening. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-03 01:12:28 EST)
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| 06-27-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book is an excellent reference for the beginning gardener. Instructions are easy to follow, and the reference tables at the end of the book are wonderful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-03 01:12:28 EST)
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| 06-25-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Mel has updated this comprehensive book for today's gardener. This intensive method of gardening works on many levels. I especially appreciate the charts for successive cropping of veggies. He's got me back in the 'box'.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-27 01:15:22 EST)
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| 06-23-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a very comprehensive guide to gardening. It contains everything we have needed to know to start our own square foot project.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-26 03:01:16 EST)
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| 06-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Our new home has much less room for a garden, and we have missed the fresh veggies we used to grow. We didn't miss the work, though! Mel's book clearly shows we can have our veggies and our leisure, too. Mel's directions are clear, and he shows you how to save money, time, and work, and how to enjoy organic food from your home economically! This is something most people can do, and it can add immeasurably to your health and well being! I highly reccommend this book, as he has spent 30 years developing his highly innovative method that literally rethinks everything about gardening. Imagine being able to spend under $100 and have fresh veggies most of the seasons of the year!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-23 01:48:02 EST)
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| 06-16-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book got here really fast-in time for me to read AND use it to try this unique style of gardening. Thanks so much!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-22 01:02:59 EST)
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| 06-14-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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A friend suggested we get this book since we are new to gardening. We love it, and are super glad to have this wonderful resource.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-16 01:03:17 EST)
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| 06-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Square foot gardening is the easiest, most successful gardening method I have ever tried, and the book's instructions are easy to follow.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 01:03:57 EST)
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| 06-07-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this book. I was always afraid to garden because of all the work, but square foot gardening makes garden work almost non existant!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-13 01:03:02 EST)
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| 05-31-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I remember watching the PBS series on Square Foot Gardening many years ago, so when I started planting my first vegetable garden in years, I purchased this book. It is still an inviting way to lay out the garden, and Mel has some new methods to make it even more foolproof. Attractively illustrated and written in a friendly, engaging style.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:03:59 EST)
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| 05-30-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Great book just got back into gardening this year ,
and i put in 2 raised beds their great no crawling around on the ground pulling weeds this book makes it easy to for the new gardener or someone whos been gardening for a while You can have a great easy to take care of garden in a 4 foot square , the book says 2hrs a week , who dosent have 2 hrs a week for fresh home grown food ,thats better than any store bought (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:03:59 EST)
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| 05-20-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is the best step-by-step gardening book I have ever read. It is easy to follow and almost guarantees success. I can't wait to harvest!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-31 01:03:39 EST)
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| 05-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book is great! It makes gardening seem easy ... I know it isn't perfect and small adjustments will need to be made, but suddenly it seems doable!
I recommend the book for anyone! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-21 01:04:34 EST)
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| 05-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I really enjoyed this book. It makes gardening super simple. Easy to read book with great pictures to help you set up your first square foot garden. I made three 4X4 square foot gardens and they look great! I highly recommend this book if you are interested in square foot gardening.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-21 01:04:34 EST)
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| 05-09-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Square Foot Gardening is a brilliant concept. The book is a little wordy and could be condensed down - but Mel wants to make it exceptionally clear that this is the EASY way to garden.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:04:45 EST)
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| 05-04-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This soft-back book has helped get me out in the garden. It is well-organized, gives tables of how many seeds go in each square, and has a certain humorous approach that makes the reading far from dry. Following these directions, we spent about $200 to put two frames in (32 squares), planted according to directions, and I've got 2-inch tall seedlings of beans, peas, corn, watermelon and some herbs. Quite satisfied with the book and the price of it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:04:45 EST)
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| 04-30-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I've heard of Mel's book for quite a few years, with friends using his techniques. I have used the old Victory Garden intensive gardening techniques with great results, and hydroponics for most of my edible crops like toms, cukes, melons etc. I got this to try growing something without using energy for pumps, etc. Just got the first spring plantings in, will know the results soon.
Very easy to follow, he uses the old 'first I'll tell you what I'm going to tell you, then I'll tell you, then I'll say what I told you' repetition format to drive home the basics, so even a modern public school graduate can understand it. He uses a home made planting mix and standard intensive gardening techniques to great affect, well organized for easy reference, worth a read if you love to play with gardens, and even better if you have any handicaps, or are just getting a bit older like me. Recommended highly! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:04:45 EST)
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| 04-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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My husband insisted on this book and it provides great detailed information on container gardening. He has used it to build a large garden area full of containers as well as protective mechanisms to protect the new plants from frost. If you are considering container gardening - I would recommend this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-05 03:52:38 EST)
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| 04-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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In these days of so much hype to sell products, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book is and does exactly what was promised. Well worth the money for the information contained between the covers. We have already made and planted our garden. By the seventh day we have radish, squash, zucchini, spinach and green bean sprouts!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-30 01:45:30 EST)
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| 04-22-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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this book is so repetitive and redundant-- it really drove me nuts. it's a quick easy read, most of the author's points are common sensical and easy to understand, so why does he have to "sell" his method so hard? i had already decided this was what i wanted to do based on his website, but hoped the book would teach me more. with the exception of the frost/planting chart at the back of the book, it didn't add anything new to my knowledge... i am still using the method and m first crop is just now coming up, so i do recommend the book, but just be forewarned that it is written as if for dummies.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-29 01:47:22 EST)
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| 04-14-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This system is an improvement over Mel's original system primarily due to the new perfect soil mixture recipe. I used the original square foot system for years and grew and ate fresh vegetables year round (in the Atlanta area).
If you have limited resources (garden space, free time, or experience) this is for you. Perhaps you are a bit lazy (as I am) or no longer under 40 years of age (I am nearing 60)...this is for you. You will love the ease and simplicity. After mixing Mel's perfect soil, you will no longer need to arduously prepare the soil every season. Children (even teen-agers) seem to really enjoy working (playing?) in the raised beds and eating vegetables right from the plant. You, your family, your neighbors, and your friends will benefit from this and, more importantly, love the process and the results. Do yourself a favor. Buy the book, use it, and enjoy year round (organic) goodies. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-18 05:29:26 EST)
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| 04-09-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Seems like a good book so far. We don't have anything growing yet, but our 2, 4 & 6 year olds liked building the garden, mixing the soil and planting the seeds. We had a hard time finding one of the soil ingredients (vermiculite)at a resonable price, but since we have a small 2'x4' garden, we were able to buy a number of small bags from our local home center and get by with that.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-14 23:59:46 EST)
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| 03-30-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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This new book by Mel Bartholmew is fantastic. We are really excited about trying the square foot gardening method. This allows you to grow more in a smaller space without the hassle of the weeds taing over as it does in a single row garden.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-08 21:38:52 EST)
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| 03-26-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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The technique for gardening sounds great! I am looking forward to revamping our garden this summer using Mr. Bartholomew's method.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-31 03:56:43 EST)
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| 03-21-08 | 3 | 0\4 |
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I will not buy his books, so I have nothing to say about it. It is silly not to cultivate native land and buy all this commercial gardening stuff. Defeats the purpose a bit, doesn't it?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-26 16:22:35 EST)
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| 03-15-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Years ago (and I mean YEARS!) I purchased the first edition of this great book for my first veggie garden....I like this new version with added information, but, do miss the old diagrams of plant placements and wished they, too, would have been included this time around. I am a visual person so they really helped me and my small garden be a squarefooter! Will hang on to my old, tattered version, just for that purpose, while enjoying the new.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-22 06:45:52 EST)
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| 03-03-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book is great for giving beginners the confidence to get started in growing vegetables. I have begun my raised beds and I am looking forward to seeing some things grow.
I had the older version some years ago and loved it too. This one seems like it is even easier to use. It does go through specifics on certain vegetables at the end but you may want a vegetable book to help you in identifying and harvesting the specific vegetables. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-15 13:07:00 EST)
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| 02-28-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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I am another fan of SFG. I've bought several books for friends and family. I first tried SFG in the early '90's and had moderate success, so when we started a new garden at our new house, I wanted something rewarding and sustainable. I was impressed with the improvements in the new system. Simpler, faster and very time effecient. And it looks good!
I, too, had trouble finding vermiculite. I starting seedlings with "Mel's Mix," using perlite and it worked fine. We did find the small bags of vermiculite at Lowe's and, went with them for two 4x8 boxes. I figured it was a one time expense and we were running out of time. Before we add more boxes, though, I plan to search out a cheaper source for the vermiculite. Other than that, the garden was a dream to put together. We did the whole project in one weekend, complete with a drip system on a timer for watering when we're away. The book was very easy to follow and has lots of information for novice gardeners as well as more experienced individuals. I will continue to buy copies and spread the word about this great system. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-04 15:21:46 EST)
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| 02-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I found this to be a very informative book about the history of "Square Foot Gardening" as well as a nice comparison of the old and new methods.
It also is a great "How To" book because every step of the process is carefully described and illustrated with both photographs and drawings. Mel takes you every step of the way including determining how large an area is needed, the actual building of the square foot garden, and many great options for your completed garden. Mel even tells you how and when to plant to extend your growing season. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks gardening has to be hard work, or if you just want to try something new. I can't wait to see mine growing! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-28 13:28:49 EST)
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| 02-10-08 | 2 | 0\1 |
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While the basic ideas in this book seem useful and even good, the author is so repetitive and gimmicky that reading it begins to sound like an infomercial and one wonders what "Mel" is trying to sell. It turns out that he's not trying to sell anything other than the method he devised and is so enthusiastic about, but the book could have been a lot shorter and accomplished the same thing. Although he goes on and on about how little work it is and how much space you save and how much better it is than row gardening, he falls short on his descriptions of the protective structures for the individual squares, on starting seeds early and other such details. Another annoying thing is when he tells the reader that he won't explain some things since with his method the reader/gardener simply doesn't need to know. With all that said, I still plan on trying the basic method since it seems sound and indeed easy.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-19 00:46:27 EST)
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| 01-17-08 | 2 | 2\3 |
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The 2 stars I give this book are for the charts in the appendix. This 200+ book could be a 10 page brochure found in the gardening section of Lowes or HD. The author repeats himself to the point it sounds like an infomercial. The continuous self-glorification and put downs to anyone that does not garden his way, keeps distracting the reader. One feels like the author is nominating himself for a Nobel Prize; no, not for literature, but for Peace. You are almost lead to believe he solved world hunger. Anyone who has traveled through the developing world knows how important natural resources are; where in the world would these people get peat moss, and vermiculite??. Then, he makes it sound like he invented raised beds. His Mel's Mix is as revolutionary as anyone else's mix that you see on HGTV.
Summary: Raised beds, 6" tall, 4'x4', 1/3 of each, vermiculite, compost, peat moss. Now, save your money and buy yourself something else. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-10 20:34:38 EST)
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| 01-14-08 | 5 | 0\1 |
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It's winter and as most gardeners in the north do, I read about gardening while the ground is frozen and covered in snow. I absolutely loved this book saying "Finally- this is what I've been looking for!"
Unfortunately, I can't put the method to the test, but I'm confident that it'll work. I've been so disappointed with my half-hearted attempts at temporary garden beds in my new yard. Now it's time to really get things going! Of course, I have a few criticisms. There was some repetition. This 250 page book could have been about 175 without losing any content. Mel seems to pat himself on his back quite a lot. There's a fine line between gaining trust in one's methods and bragging. Past that, everyone needs to read this book! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-17 23:55:23 EST)
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| 01-07-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I gave this book as a gift to my son. He is enjoying the useful information. Says he can't wait to get started. He also indicated that the book was laid out in a concise and logical format.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-14 21:33:44 EST)
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| 12-23-07 | 2 | 1\1 |
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I'm an advanced gardener and have been gardening for many years. I came across this book last year and decided to take it for a spin. I already used raised beds, but I built more using his methods. I followed the book to a "T"
I had the worst harvest this past year. We have just two people and we planted three 8'x4' and one 12'x4' and still didn't produce enough food to meet our needs. The previous year I used the techniques from The Vegetable Gardener's Bible and we had a fantastic harvest. I also noticed that this year, besides being less fruitful, the plants weren't as healthy and it was the first time we had major insect infestations. This was most likely due to the plants being planted way to close to each other and the soil being deficient in nutrients. I will definitely not use this book again and will be going back to the Vegetable Gardener's Bible. I'm giving it an extra star because I like the planting schedules in the back and the construction methods for row covers and trellises. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-08 04:20:14 EST)
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| 12-12-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I took this book everywhere with me! There is so much information I had to read it over and over again to get it all and I still have more to learn. It is funny and informative. I truly appreciate the effort put forth for this book. While my first garden was not the best I have learned much and plan to start again this spring. Can't wait to get started!!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-23 05:12:21 EST)
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| 12-03-07 | 4 | (NA) |
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This is an excellent system. Only problem is what others have encountered--finding products for the mix.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-16 18:58:36 EST)
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| 11-29-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This a great system to involve the family especially young children in the gardening experience. They will learn about Nature's gifts and the needs of plants. It will bring them closer to nature. As they become adults and garden on their own they will experience the joys of gardening including of watering which can even be Zen-like. WHAT A WONDER.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-04 08:27:57 EST)
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| 11-24-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I had a great time this year creating a garden using the advice and instructions in this book. Yields were good, maintenance was low, and it was fun for our 5-year old. Highly recommended!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-30 10:54:46 EST)
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| 11-15-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is the best method that I have seen for growing fruits and vegetables easily, with great results. It takes a little bit of money to develop your Mel's Mix (garden soil) the first time, but once you start composting, its virtually free.
With industrialized agricultural companies spraying who-knows-what on our produce, and organic food being more expensive, this puts your own organic food within reach- and the cost is only a little bit of time. Eat better and live better- use the Square Foot Gardening method. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-23 03:04:45 EST)
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| 10-10-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I have been interested in gardening for years and have even attempted it a time or two. The results were never pretty. This book has helped me turn over a new leaf! I feel like I can garden without having to constantly experiment with the details - what soil mixture should I use, where can I find room, how much should I plant, etc. I followed his directions in making and gridding my box, the soil mixture, planting ,etc. I love the easiness of it all and how crisp and clean it looks! I am excited about my garden and have even intrigued my dad( who is an avid gardener) with this method! We are both experimenting together!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-16 16:35:58 EST)
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| 09-14-07 | 4 | (NA) |
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This a good book, but the author's ego is the size of the Atlantic Ocean. If you can get past his bragging and self-promotion, the book has some good ideas and helpful information. I like this book (the author can be inspiring and has obviously given a lot of thought to his ideas), but I like Gaia's Garden and Food Not Lawns better.
One idea the author doesn't mention is the use of free wood chips as a ground cover. Here in Portland, you can call most arborists and they will deliver free ground trees. It's better for the arborists than paying to dispose of the ground trees at a recycling center and they will schedule the delivery when they're in your area to minimize their delivery distance. You can minimize weeds by laying down a thick layer of newspapers or cardboard, and then covering them with wood chips. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-11 20:57:19 EST)
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| 09-09-07 | 4 | (NA) |
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I had back surgery 5 years ago and had to give up gardening. Last Spring a friend gave me a copy of Square Foot Gardening. I had someone build me a 4x8 foot garden on legs 4 feet tall and planted a vegetable garden that was so successful that we joked that it was going to take over the world! I have since had another built. It is so exciting to me to be able to grow things again! I would recommend that you have one built for a friend or parent who is unable to keep up with a regular garden. It is a wonderful feeling to eat what you have grown.
Diane Woodward North Carolina (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-14 23:09:33 EST)
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| 09-07-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this book and can't wait to try out his methods of gardening. Pictures are very pretty. Instructions easy to understand.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-09 16:38:27 EST)
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| 09-05-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a innovative, creative, common sense approach to engaging in the wonderwful world of gardening in a straightforward and easily managed way. Thanks Mel. (p.s. these words are from the person to whom I gifted this book)
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-07 11:31:44 EST)
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| 08-13-07 | 4 | 2\3 |
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This is a great book if you bypass the purchasing all the things to make his soil. The ideas to utilize space are fantastic!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-05 11:47:10 EST)
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| 07-20-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this book for its information and easy reading. I have read many non-fiction books of all kinds and they can get monotonous. This book is colorful and organized well, encouraging the reader to continue. If you should get tired of reading, it's set up to make re-entry into your reading simple. I am planning to re-do my whole garden in square foot gardening next year. This book made me excited to garden!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-08-14 09:46:26 EST)
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| 07-06-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I liked this book. It is an update of the 1981 Square Foot Gardening, which I have. The new one gives you wonderfull ideas on small space gardening, less weeding, less watering and soil improvement (composting and Mels mix) where it is need, not where you walk. It gives you square foot gardening planting ideas,aisle covering and tips, trellis ideas, vegetable covers and seasonal rotation sugestions. There is a list on what are the best vegetables to plant, where to plant them, how many you can plant in a square foot, buying less seeds and getting more vegetables. There is a very nice "AT A GLANCE" index for vegetable,some herbs and some flowers. There is an indepth description of vegetagles sugested for this garden type. There are penny pincher tips for the gardener and guides on whewther you want a small family garden, A Putting food by garden or both. I bougth this book to help me with ideas for a wheel chair garden, less space gardening and gardening children could get involved in. There is more information and ideas in the book and well worth the read.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-21 10:34:34 EST)
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