Q:   Hi Mel, my name is Dan and I live in Texas .  The book is great. My brother and his wife planted a square foot garden, and I could not believe the amount of vegetables they raised! I've got to try it myself.  I'm planting a vegetable garden using your techniques. I've built boxes, and put them up on saw horses like your example for folks in a wheel chair (I just thought it would be more comfortable).  I've got the book, but after reading your web page, I mixed up the new soil formula (1/3 peat, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 compost). OK, my question is, after harvest, when I dig up and replant, what shall I do to the soil? More compost? If so could you elaborate?  Also, should I drill holes in the plywood bottom for drainage? Thanks

YES, YOU DO NEED DRAINAGE HOLES

A:   Dear Dan: Thank you for your letter and I'm so glad to hear you were inspired by your brother's garden.  That is great !  In answer to your question, yes, you do need drainage holes in the plywood bottom.  Drill a 1/4-inch hole in each square foot with an extra hole in each corner. 

NEED A WELL-BLENDED COMPOST

It is very important that a good, well-blended compost be used so your garden gets all the nutrients needed.  Hopefully, you have used a compost made from many different ingredients in your Mel's Mix.  After you harvest, simply add a trowel full of a well-blended compost to each square and mix it in.  That way you are putting nutrients back into your garden.        Best wishes ,   Mel B