On 11/30/06 7:46 AM, in article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:

"Dan L." wrote in message
...
In article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:

"Dan L." wrote in message
...
I made two garden boxes during the summer, 12 x 4 feet and 1 foot high,
too big to move. I used a mixture of compost, peat moss and
vermiculite.
I live in the thumb area of Michigan (zone 5b). I also enjoyed the
fruits and vegetables of my labor.

Note: I removed some of the mixture from the sides to keep the boxes
from separating to freezing (I hope).

The main question: Should I cover the boxes with tarps?
Will the cold winter and snow cause the soil to be
compressed-compacted?
If I cover the boxes up, will it be come a haven for mice?
or diseases and molds form?


Diseases & molds: Forget about it.

Mice: What would happen if you pulled off the tarp in the spring a a
couple
of mice ran out from under it? Would you die? Would you be traumatized
and
spend the rest of your life in therapy?

So that would be a yes - cover the boxes?
I am not so much concerned about my mental health, it is messed up
already It is the physical concerns. I have had plants, shrubs and
trees to die from diseases and other problems over the years. I am just
wondering if some garden practices are better than others for healthy
soils and healthy plants.

I'd cover the box AFTER it freezes. And, check with friends for the name of
a good therapist. :-)



Snicker!
C