How to Get Started with Square Foot Gardening (and Why)
Square foot gardening is an efficient, organized approach that makes gardening more manageable and prolific for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. This article will cover the basics of square foot gardening, its benefits, essentials for getting started, laying out your garden boxes, optimal plant spacing, what to plant, vertical gardening options, maintenance tips, and creative variations. With a little planning and elbow grease, you can yield abundant organic produce from your own small-space square foot garden!
What is Square Foot Gardening?
Square foot gardening is a planting technique that divides garden beds into grids of 1’x1’ squares. Within each 12”x12” square, a certain number of plants are grown based on the expected mature size of that crop. For example, one tomato plant takes up 1 square foot, while 16 carrots can occupy a single square. This method allows for intensive gardening and higher yields with less wasted space.
Benefits of Square Foot Gardening
There are many excellent reasons to utilize the square foot gardening method:
– More efficient use of garden space compared to traditional rows.
– Conserves water with proper spacing and depth.
– Improved access and ergonomics for planting, tending, and harvesting.
– Organized, tidy, and aesthetically pleasing layout.
– Allows many different crops in a small space.
– Helps gauge correct plant spacing.
– rotation becomes easier.
– Great for beginners or those with limited mobility.
– Can be done as raised beds or in-ground plots.
– Less weeding needed with proper mulching.
– Extends the growing season for cold climates.
Getting Started with Square Foot Gardening
Here are some tips for starting your first square foot garden:
Choose a Sunny Spot
Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6 hours of sun per day. Pick a sunny area of your yard, patio or balcony. For in-ground gardens, pick a level spot with nutrient-rich soil and good drainage.
Build or Buy Raised Beds
Square foot gardens are ideal for raised beds, which provide excellent drainage and protection from pests. Purchase pre-made raised beds, or use lumber to construct your own 2-4’ high beds. Use untreated wood and don’t paint the inside surfaces.
Fill Beds with Mel’s Mix
Mel’s mix is a special soil blend perfect for square foot gardening. It contains 1/3 compost, 1/3 vermiculite and 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir. This loose, fluffy mix allows seeds to germinate well and provides great drainage.
Add Vertical Gardening Elements
Take advantage of vertical space by installing trellises along the north side of beds. Also incorporate tall plants like tomatoes and pole beans into your layout. Use the vertical space above shorter plants.
Lay Out Grids
Divide your raised beds into 1’x1’ squares using string, tape, or wood strips. This defines the planting areas and improves organization. Label squares with crop names using plant markers.
Plan Your Plant Spacing
Decide which crops to grow and how many squares to devote to each based on their mature size and yield. Larger crops like tomatoes and broccoli get one square each, while smaller crops like radish and spinach can fit 16 per square.
Purchase Seeds and Seedlings
Make a list of needed seeds and start planting! Many vegetables like tomatoes and peppers should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant heat loving crops later in the season.
Add Pathways
Pathways in between raised beds make tending and harvesting easier. Dedicate 25-50% of garden area to paths. Use materials like gravel, woodchips, straw, or paved stones to prevent mud.
Set Up Watering System
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses that deliver water right to the soil are ideal for square foot gardens. Proper, consistent watering is key. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture.
Optimal Plant Spacing
How many plants can fit in one square foot? Here are the general spacing recommendations:
– 1 plant per square: tomato, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, pepper
– 4 per square: leaf lettuce, Swiss chard, kale
– 9 per square: arugula, spinach, Asian greens
– 16 per square: radish, turnips, beet, onions, garlic
– 25 per square: carrots and parsnips
– 36 per square: herbs like basil, mint, parsley
What to Plant
Nearly any vegetable or herb will thrive in a square foot garden. Here are some of the best options:
– Beans (pole beans take up vertical space)
– Carrots
– Tomatoes ( cherry varieties work well)
– Peppers
– Broccoli
– Onions
– Spinach
– Beets
– Radishes
– Swiss chard
– Cucumbers (trellis vertically)
– Peas (use trellises)
– Herbs – all kinds!
Going Vertical
Don’t limit yourself to growing at ground level. Many plants can be trained to grow up, opening more square footage.
– Trellises for climbing crops like peas, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers
– Cages or stakes for tomatoes and peppers
– Vertical planters attached to walls or edges of beds
– Multilevel shelf units for herbs and lettuces
– Overhead structures like arbors or pergolas used for hanging planters
Gardening Maintenance Tips
Consistent care is key to a productive square foot garden. Follow these tips:
– Water 1-2” per week. Less once plants are established.
– Use straw or leaf mulch around plants to retain moisture.
– Weed weekly to prevent competition for nutrients.
– Amend Mel’s Mix with compost or organic fertilizer each season.
– Rotate crops each season to prevent diseases.
– Succession plant to replace harvested crops.
– Check for pest problems early and use organic remedies.
– Clear out debris after harvest.
Creative Variations
– Make mini square foot gardens in containers or pots.
– Try unique and colorful container combinations.
– Interplant quick growing greens around larger plants.
– Include edible flowers like nasturtium, calendula and violets.
– Use square foot garden beds as room dividers or yard borders.
– Combine square foot gardening with permaculture zoning techniques.
– Allow some plants to go to seed for the next season’s crops.
Conclusion
Square foot gardening is a handy technique that allows you to grow more fresh produce in less space. Take advantage of every sunny square foot by growing upward as well as outward. Follow spacing guidelines tailored to each plant’s size. Maintain your garden well and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting armloads of organic vegetables and herbs from your own backyard square foot garden. Let your creativity loose within the tidy grid system and savor the fruits of your labor – literally!
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