The infrastructure for the irrigation is in place. We'll use a drip system (as apposed to a sprinkler system), which will allow us to use up to 80% less water since none will be sprayed into the air or on the plant leaves, where it merely evaporates. As you know, water shortages are becoming a serious issue in South Florida, and so we've consciously tried to factor in water conservation into our community garden plans. In this photo, you can see an empty garden bed with the weed liner and the PVC pipe that will eventually connect to a soaker hose. Our soil mix (an 18 yard truckload) was delivered last Thursday. We purchased it from A1A Soil, Sand, and Sod in Homestead. It is an organic mix consisting of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 cow manure/vegetable compost. It's really light and friable soil based on the mix developed the inventor of square foot gardening, Mel Bartholomew.
Given the South Florida growing season is pretty much ready to commence, I felt the need to get the soil into the beds ASAP. We are aiming for an October 15 planting date, and the soil must be in the beds before the irrigation system can be fully installed next week. Dr. Davies and Dr. Bernstein helped me fill the beds Saturday morning. We had a great time sweating and getting dirty and drinking loads of Gatorade.
Here's a photo of the garden beds filled with soil! It was a load off my mind (pardon the pun) knowing this task was complete. Next week, the students will mix more organic compost into the soil beds then build and install the wooden lath grids that give square foot garden beds their distinct look.
4' x 4' Raised Garden Bed with Soil
A Shot of the Community Garden (Phase 1) - Raised Beds Filled with Soil
Scott Brennan, Community Garden Coordinator
"Let's Put the Country Back in Miami Country Day School!"
