I love gardening and right now is the time to be preparing and planting by Mother’s Day! This is a method I learned many years ago that works for today’s smaller lot sizes. Square foot gardening is a gardening method that divides growing areas into small, clearly defined square-foot sections.
This method is efficient, easy to manage, and suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant a garden box using the square foot gardening method:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Garden boxes or raised bed- Ensure it has a square or rectangular shape and is divided into one-foot sections.
- Gardening Soil or Mel Bartholomew's recommended soil mix (known as Mel's Mix):
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- 1/3 vermiculite
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- 1/3 peat moss
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- 1/3 blended compost
- Grid - Create a grid on top of your soil to divide it into one-foot squares. This can be achieved using string, wood lath, or any other suitable material.
- Seeds or seedlings - Choose a variety of vegetables and herbs suitable for your climate and preferences.
Steps:
- Prepare the Garden Box:
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- Fill the garden box with gardening soil or the Mel's Mix, leaving it loose and well-aerated.
- Create the grid - Lay out the grid on top of the soil to divide the box into one-foot squares.
- Plan Your Planting:
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- Refer to the Square Foot Gardening Planting Guide - Different plants require different spacing.
- Consider Companion Planting - Some plants thrive better when planted together, while others may inhibit each other's growth. Plan your layout accordingly.
- Planting:
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- Follow spacing guidelines - Plant seeds or seedlings according to the recommended spacing for each type of plant. Remember that each square has a specific number of plants.
- Use the grid - The grid system makes it easy to organize and plant different crops in designated squares.
- Mulching:
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- Add a layer of mulch – Optionally, adding mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. You can use straw, shredded leaves, or any organic mulching material.
- Watering:
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- Watering by square - Since each square has different water requirements, it's beneficial to water each square according to the needs of the plants in that square.
- Maintenance:
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- Regularly weed - Keep an eye out for weeds and remove them promptly to ensure they don't compete with your plants for nutrients.
- Monitor for pests and diseases - Regularly check your plants for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
- Harvesting:
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- Harvest as plants mature - Harvest crops as they reach maturity. The square foot gardening method allows for easy access to each square, making harvesting more convenient.
- Tips:
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- If you are planting something tall or that is more of a vine, you can use square foot gardening cages or a trellis for support. I also learned for melons or pumpkins, to support the fruit before it gets too big to keep it from falling off. You can make a “hammock’ to cradle the fruit between the supports, by using old pantyhose! Or something like it.
- Be creative! Maybe you want a salsa garden box, a salad garden box, or a cutting flower box. Whatever your tastes, it’s easy so have fun with it!
By following these steps, you can establish a productive and organized garden, in a small amount of space, using the square foot gardening method. Adjust the specific details based on your climate, the types of plants you're growing, and any additional recommendations from experienced gardeners in your area.