In this video, Tricia will show you how to build a square foot garden!
Discover the Simplicity of Square Foot Gardening
Square foot gardening is a beginner-friendly method that makes gardening accessible and efficient. This space-saving technique is perfect for maximizing yields while incorporating succession planting, companion planting, and crop rotation. Here's how you can start your own square foot garden today!
Why Choose Square Foot Gardening?
Square foot gardening simplifies the gardening process by dividing a raised bed into small, manageable sections. This approach ensures optimal plant spacing, reduced waste, and an enjoyable gardening experience for both novices and experts.
Setting Up Your Square Foot Garden
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Build the Bed
Create a raised bed measuring four feet wide and at least 6–12 inches deep. Use untreated wood like 2x6s and secure the corners with M-braces. If building multiple beds, leave 1–3 feet of space between them for easy access. -
Prepare the Soil
Fill the bed with equal parts compost, vermiculite, and peat moss or coco peat. Compost is the key ingredient for nutrient-rich soil, so consider making your own. -
Create the Grid
Lay bamboo sticks in a grid pattern, placing them one foot apart to form 12-inch squares. Secure the bamboo with zip ties or stakes. For climbing plants like peas, install a trellis on the north side of the bed.
Planting and Care
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Spacing: Use the seed packet instructions to determine the number of plants per square:
- 1 plant for 12-inch spacing
- 4 plants for 6-inch spacing
- 9 plants for 4-inch spacing
- 16 plants for 2-inch spacing
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Succession Planting: Replant each square after harvesting. For example, follow carrots with legumes or cole crops.
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Companion Planting: Pair plants that support each other's growth, such as marigolds with vegetables to deter pests.
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Watering: Hand water at the base of each plant with warm water to reduce the risk of disease.
Why It’s Worth Trying
Square foot gardening is ideal for small spaces and offers a straightforward way to grow organic produce. It encourages rotation, succession planting, and efficient use of resources, making it both rewarding and sustainable.
