Square Foot Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Square foot gardening is a unique and efficient gardening method invented by Mel Bartholomew in the 1970s. It uses 80 percent less soil and water and about 90 percent less work than traditional gardens. The concept is simple: plant a specific number of seeds or seedlings in each square foot section of your garden.
Plant Spacing in a Square Foot Garden
Square foot garden plots are divided into grids of 4 x 4 squares, or 2 x 4 if set up against a wall. Strings or thin pieces of wood are used to divide the plot into equal square foot sections. Each section is planted with a different type of vegetable. Vine plants are usually placed in the back to allow for a straight trellis.
How Many Plants per Square Foot?
The most important factor to consider when calculating plants per square foot is the size of each adult plant. You can consult a plant per square foot guide for general recommendations, but it’s also important to look at the planting distance information on seed packets or seedling pots.
The planting distance numbers on seed packets are based on old-school row planting plans and assume you will have a wide space between rows. In a square foot garden, you can ignore the larger number and focus on the smaller one.
For example, if your carrot seed packet recommends 3 inches apart for the smaller number, you can plant your carrots 3 inches apart on all sides in a square foot section. Divide the number of inches per distance you need into 12 inches (the size of your plot). For carrots, the answer is 4. This means that you can fill the square with four rows of four plants each, or 16 carrot plants.
This method works for any plant. If you find a range of distance, such as from 4 to 6 inches, use the smaller number. If you find a fraction in your answer, round it to the nearest whole number. Plant spacing in a square foot garden is more of an art than a science.
Benefits of Square Foot Gardening
Square foot gardening offers several benefits over traditional gardening methods:
- Less space required: Square foot gardens can be planted in small spaces, such as balconies or patios.
- Less soil and water needed: Square foot gardens use less soil and water than traditional gardens.
- Less work required: Square foot gardens require less weeding, watering, and fertilizing than traditional gardens.
- Higher yields: Square foot gardens can produce higher yields than traditional gardens because they maximize space and resources.
- More variety: Square foot gardens allow you to grow a wider variety of plants in a small space.
Tips for Square Foot Gardening
Here are a few tips for getting started with square foot gardening:
- Choose a sunny location for your garden.
- Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
- Follow the plant spacing guidelines to ensure that your plants have enough room to grow.
- Water your garden regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize your garden every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Keep your garden free of weeds.
- Harvest your vegetables when they are ripe.
Conclusion
Square foot gardening is a great way to grow your own food in a small space. It’s easy to learn and requires less work than traditional gardening methods. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest from your square foot garden.
