Square foot gardening is a great way for small-space gardeners to make the most of the limited garden space they have. By dividing a small garden bed into orderly squares of one-foot, you can create a variety of plant spaces, managing each square separately. This method of planting was introduced by Mel Bartholomew in 1981 and is growing in popularity all the time. There are numerous benefits to this type of garden, which makes it an attractive option for green thumbs of all levels.
Ready to get started on your own square foot garden? Here is what you need to do to turn your dream garden into a reality.
Step 1 – Choose Your Container and Assemble It
The first step is to decide if you’d like your square foot garden in a bed on the ground or in a raised bed. If you opt for a raised bed, build a 4×4 square-shaped structure out of four timber boards, attaching them with eight wood screws. As a result, you will have a sturdy frame to place your garden on.
Step 2 – Attach the Screws and Nylon
Once your frame is in place, attach 12 wood screws to the top edge of the box— three on each side— and attach a nylon line around each one. This will result in 16 one-foot squares.
Step 3 – Position Your Box
The next step is to find a sunny spot for your box where your plants will have the best chance of thriving.
Step 4 – Fill the Box With Soil
You will need a soil that is both rich in nutrients and suitable for most plants. This type of soil will provide the best environment for your vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits. Fill the square foot box with this type of soil so that it is evenly spread out.
Step 5 – Plant Your Crops
Finally, you get to the really fun part— planting your crops! Each square can hold one large plant, four medium plants, nine small plants, or sixteen tiny plants. Before you start planting, check the package of your seed to know how much space should be left between each seed. Once your seeds are planted, you only need to take care of your garden, watching it bloom.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and productive square foot garden. You’ll be able to enjoy the variety your garden offers, as well as the many crops you will harvest. With a bit of hard work and some TLC, your garden will flourish, giving you a source of great food and joy all season long.
Square foot gardening is an ideal way for small-space gardeners to create an amazing garden oasis in a small area. Unlike a traditional garden, square foot gardening creates an orderly grid of one-foot squares in a 4X4 foot area. This method of gardening was introduced by Mel Bartholomew in 1981, and it’s a great way to maximize space and still get a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. Here’s exactly how to go about planting a square foot garden.
Step 1 – Choose Your Container and Assemble It
First, you will need to decide if your garden bed will sit in the ground or in a raised bed. If you are using a raised bed, you can easily make it using four timber boards and eight large wood screws. Make sure the boards are attached on all four sides for a 4X4-foot square.
Step 2 – Attach the Screws and Nylon
On the top edge of your box, position 12 wood screws one foot apart (three on each side). Use a nylon line and attach it around each screw then run the line between the two opposite sides of the box to make 16 one-foot squares.
Step 3 – Position Your Box
Make sure to place your box in an area that gets plenty of sun and is easy to access.
Step 4 – Fill the Box With Soil
Choose a nutrient-rich soil that is suitable for various plants, then fill the box with the soil.
Step 5 – Plant Your Crops
Now comes the fun part! Choose your plants and evenly insert the seeds in their allotted space. Most seed packets indicate how much space should be left between each seed. This is important to remember when placing the seeds in their designated square foot area. As an example, a one-foot square should fit one large plant, four medium plants, nine small plants or sixteen tiny plants.
Once the seeds are in their spaces, your garden is complete! All that’s left for you to do is to make sure your plants have the required water, sunlight and care to make them build roots and bloom. You’ll have quite the array of vegetables, flowers and herbs in not a lot of space!
Square foot gardening is one of the best ways to gain the most in a small area and watch your plants come to fruition in an orderly and peaceful way. With the right soil and a precise grid of one-foot squares, you can make a unique and beautiful garden with the various vegetables and flowers that thrive in your region. Enjoy the process, reap the rewards and experience how amazing a square foot garden can be.
