How do I prepare soil for a square foot garden?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Mel's Mix provides a groundbreaking approach to square-foot gardening by establishing perfect conditions for root systems. Traditional soil is replaced by a blend of equal parts compost, vermiculite, and coconut coir to achieve the right aeration, drainage, and moisture retention. I have clients who have tripled their yields simply by switching to this mix - their roots growing deeper and wider without compacting.
Compost Selection
- Use 5+ sourced composts (manure, leaf mold, mushroom)
- Ensures diverse microbial activity
- Test pH, ideal range 6.5-7.0
Vermiculite Benefits
- Retains 3x its weight in water
- Prevents nutrient leaching during heavy rains
- Aerates soil for deeper root penetration
Coconut Coir Advantages
- Sustainable alternative to peat moss
- Resists decomposition for 3-5 years
- Wet thoroughly before mixing to expand
Steer clear of native soil and you're guaranteed to eliminate in excess of 90% of weed seeds. I line beds with landscape fabric before adding Mel's Mix; clients report 70% less weeding! For established gardens, solarize the soil: cover the soil with clear plastic for 6 weeks during the summer, and you'll kill pathogens and dormant seeds.
Preserve fertility with additions throughout the year - apply 1" of compost in both the spring and fall through the first five years. My client's beds, however, are five years old, and they are still heavy producers because I layer them every year with worm castings. For a nitrogen boost, you can brew compost tea! An application of 1 cup per square every fourteen days keeps the greens looking robust.
Read the full article: Ultimate Square Foot Gardening Guide: Maximize Your Harvest
