That reminds me - has anyone here tried growing tobacco using the "Square Foot" method? Growing up, we just grew it in big fields, using tractors and all kinds of big farm equipment. I was wondering how SQ would work for backyards and patios. Here is info if you're unfamiliar with it: http://www.squarefootgardening.com/ Basically, it is raised beds (that you don't have to weed and can be easily covered with plastic to make a cheap and quick greenhouse) and the soil is a mix of compost, peat moss and vermiculite).
Coffee grinds
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That reminds me - has anyone here tried growing tobacco using the "Square Foot" method? Growing up, we just grew it in big fields, using tractors and all kinds of big farm equipment. I was wondering how SQ would work for backyards and patios. Here is info if you're unfamiliar with it: http://www.squarefootgardening.com/ Basically, it is raised beds (that you don't have to weed and can be easily covered with plastic to make a cheap and quick greenhouse) and the soil is a mix of compost, peat moss and vermiculite).
"Square Foot" is the much catchier label that encompasses the techniques of "Biodynamic/French Intensive Gardening" that were introduced in the US in 1974 by John Jeavons. His tattered book ("How to Grow More Vegetables") has been my gardening guide for decades, and is the inspiration for my approach to tobacco growing that you see in my grow log. Though I don't use coffee grounds, I do use only composted cow manure, Ag lime and some sand in my double-dug 5' x 12' beds.
Bob
Bob
Bob,
That is very interesting. I only learned about it from the PBS series. My uncle was a big proponent - grew all the vegetables he and my aunt needed in just a small backyard in Springfield, VA. I like it because it allows you to plan exactly what and how much you want and with a little pvc pipe and drop plastic, I can start my garden a month early and keep it going a mont later. So, I'll have to check out your grow logs and take some notes! Even when/if I have much more land, I think that method will be the lab to learn what I want to grow in larger quantities and how to best do it.
That is very interesting. I only learned about it from the PBS series. My uncle was a big proponent - grew all the vegetables he and my aunt needed in just a small backyard in Springfield, VA. I like it because it allows you to plan exactly what and how much you want and with a little pvc pipe and drop plastic, I can start my garden a month early and keep it going a mont later. So, I'll have to check out your grow logs and take some notes! Even when/if I have much more land, I think that method will be the lab to learn what I want to grow in larger quantities and how to best do it.
Yes, I've been using 'sq ft gardening' for years - since the book came out decades ago. Works great!
Don't think it has any application to tobacco, except maybe some of the turkish strains.
One nice thing about raised beds, using 2x frames - rabbits can't get to the beans, lettice, spinach etc. because they won't climb. And if you plant dense enough, no weeds grow.
Don't think it has any application to tobacco, except maybe some of the turkish strains.
One nice thing about raised beds, using 2x frames - rabbits can't get to the beans, lettice, spinach etc. because they won't climb. And if you plant dense enough, no weeds grow.
As you can see from my grow log my patch is two raised beds. I used dead telephone poles cause I had them. The ground here is so stony/sandy not much but weeds will grow. I built the beds and had 5 yards of top soil dumped in. I had the soil tested and then started adding peat moss and fertilizer as needed. I use mostly cotton seed meal for nitrogen because I like the slow release. If you figure right it runs out about the time the plants mature. It worked well for me and I plan on doing it next year.
Slightly off topic. Does anyone know if growing garlic in with the tobacco will hurt either one of them?
John
Slightly off topic. Does anyone know if growing garlic in with the tobacco will hurt either one of them?
John
Randy
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jeapaderenline thats what Im going to do with all the coffe grinds start huge compost with leaves and stuff, mix in garden next spring
Markw
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Square foot gardening we us that method over here,I use Black weed block as it heats the soil up early in the year, Used black weed block on my tobacco last year the ones that had the black weed block grew much faster and had a better yeild.
Back to the compost, yes I compost everything eggshells vegetable peelings chicken poo. coffee grinds everything gets chucked in, Rabbit droppings are known to be the best.
You must remember to turn your heap at least twice a year to get it to compost well. horse manure is ok but it will have weed seeds in it , cow's manure is very good as it contains no seeds. If you can get your hands on any spent mushroom compost now you are talking good stuff.
I am working on a new potato planter for next year
Mark
Back to the compost, yes I compost everything eggshells vegetable peelings chicken poo. coffee grinds everything gets chucked in, Rabbit droppings are known to be the best.
You must remember to turn your heap at least twice a year to get it to compost well. horse manure is ok but it will have weed seeds in it , cow's manure is very good as it contains no seeds. If you can get your hands on any spent mushroom compost now you are talking good stuff.
I am working on a new potato planter for next year
Mark
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