| Tabletop Garden On Cement Blocks | | Print | |
Q: I live in West Yellowstone Montana. I have a flower garden now but I have arthritis badly in my knees and it is hard to get down to work in the garden. Was thinking of using large plastic pots, that I could leave outside year round. Temperatures in the winter can get to -57°. Do you think the pot idea would work like the Square Foot Garden ? A: Brrr, that sounds cold. But here's an idea. Build a 6 inch deep SFG box with plywood bottoms on any size 4'x 4' or 3' x 3' or 2' x any length and locate them on top of a patio wall, deck railing, old table, saw horses, cement blocks, etc., for sit down gardening. Fill them with Mel's Mix (see our “How To” page), add a very visible grid (old Venetian blinds or wood lath that's painted white) and start gardening. Depending on the size of the boxes, move some of them indoors to the garage or shed. Near spring, start planting them while the weather outside it still too cold and the ground is frozen. Move them outdoors when sprouted and you're way ahead of your neighbors.Build one or two this fall and try it next spring. If you didn't want to do the moving, just leave them outdoors all winter. They will warm up faster than the ground or large plastic pots. Besides, they will look better. See deck gardens on my column page for ideas.
Q: Hi, Mel, my name is Kathleen and I live in Kentucky. I think your book, website, and method are all wonderful and have been using the method since I discovered it from my mother while still living in Florida. A: Dear Kathleen, You are another SFG success story to be able to sit down while you garden at a tabletop garden. Of course as you and your son found out it needs to be placed on a sturdy and stable foundation. I seem to remember a Bible story about building on the rock rather than the sands and wasn't there a three pig fable about long-lasting materials for your home, now we know the same thing applies to your garden. You have a great story and it will be a good inspiration to many others who thought they could no longer garden. My compliments to your son for figuring out that strong support he has come up with. Mel B. |
