15 Feb 2009

GREENS EXPLODING! SQUARE FOOT GARDENING!

Posted by Jake

The greens in the square foot gardens are outgrowing their boxes!  These are some before and after shots of the sq. ft. gardens.  If you have little space, but still want to garden, or even if you have a ton of space…square foot gardening might be for you!

The first shot was taken in late September 2008.

The following shots were taken February 7th 2009.

After our first attempt at this form of gardening, we can definitely recommend it! It’s a 4ft. x 4ft.  square box, made out of lumber purchased locally. The “raised beds” keep the soil warmer, allow for a “specific” soil mix, and is easier for backyard growing because it takes up way less space.   You can also protect the gardens from the weather and pests quite easily! It’s more controlled!

The PVC pipe provides a frame which plastic is draped over, keeping the plants from completely freezing..outside temps are averaging around 30F. The yellow tape hanging from the center pipe attracts flying pests, like gnats and flies. Quite effective, when the gardens are covered!

We highly recommend the book,
All New Square Foot Gardening, by Mel Bartholomew

Mel says after retiring as an engineer he began to garden and approached the garden like an engineer, looking for easier ways to get the same results. After trial and error, he has broken down how many crops you can plant by the “square foot.”

For example: one broccoli can be planted in one square, but the next square to the right can have 4 swiss chard plants.   The wood subdividing each sq ft garden box provides a great way to learn crop rotation and just visualize your garden better.

We also put a weed cloth on the bottom and haven’t had any weeds!

Check out Mel’s book if you have a backyard and don’t want to rip up the ground, are unsure of the soil quality etc…   I’ve even seen pictures of square foot gardens on apartment balconies!

They provide a great way for everyone to grow their own food!!