garden-along

i have been researching a method of growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers called square foot gardening. and i am so super stoked about it. i meet once a month with a few ladies in my church ward that are passionate about thrifting, deal finding, food storage, gardening, and in general living providently. most of the women in the group are much older than me, some grew up on a farm, and they all are so wise. they have been gardening for years and at our last meeting they literally spent two hours giving me personal instruction on a perfect growing season and they all swear by the square foot method. it's no fail, easy, and super cool. i don't have a green thumb, and i really believe i can do this! there's a book that goes in depth (and a dvd too) that you can get at any library or purchase on the website.

basically: 1. you don't waste space or water or backache by planting rows. 2. you don't use your own soil, you use perfect organic soil in a box and never mess with it so it grows amazing plants and anyone anywhere can have one because it's portable. (you can put it on concrete, a table, whatever, it just needs to be away from trees and get 6-8 hours of sunlight a day). 3. there's no digging, weeding, or one time harvesting. you just go pick a little of everything you want when you want it (as in take a big bowl out every evening, make a salad right there, and pick a few other yummies). when a plant has finished its course, you pick it out, use it in your compost and plant something else in that spot- so it's tilling and crop rotation with literally no work. 4. you compost for your soil and use no pesticides. it's the healthiest, freshest, most earth friendly way to garden. you plant a flower crop or two (a square foot space is a crop) that repels pests and you are good to go. 5. you can make a 2x2 box, 3x3, or 4x4, or any combo, as many as you'd like. a 4x4 box will feed my family salads all growing season with fresh flowers on the table and plenty to share. 6. you only plant a few seeds because every seed you plant will grow. therefore, we start at the "thin to" phase- saving tons of work and space and seeds. 7. kids can successfully grow anything in their own box. cate is so pumped. there's so much cool about it i can't even tell you.

i decided to document the process here, and i'd love it if anyone would like to garden along with me. we can compare notes, share pictures and learn from each other all summer. if you already garden this way, please share your info!

if you want to do it, here's THIS WEEK'S WORK (next week i will have pictures of our boxes and composting, share what we will plant, and then next week's work will be to plant!):

first get the book/ dvd. watch and start reading and/or read the whole website.

then we need to start composting immediately, although we'll have to buy some organic commercial compost for the first planting as our own won't be ready quick enough. but we will continue to use it all summer, so we need to get on it quick. (the book tells you how to compost- it's very easy). then you'll need to build your box and decide what to plant. that's what we are going to accomplish this week. the website has the easy instructions for building the box. free wood can be found on craigslist, any construction site, local classifieds and classified website.

 

1 - LAYOUT. Always think in squares: lay out 4 foot by 4 foot planting areas with wide walkways between them.

2 - BOXES. Build garden box frames no wider than 4 feet, and 6 to 8 inches deep. The length is not as important, but a recommended size for your first time is one frame 4 foot by 4 foot. You can, of course, go smaller. A 2 foot by 2 foot works great on patios and 3 foot by 3 foot box is ideal for kids. Frames can be made from almost any material except treated wood, which has toxic chemicals that might leach into the soil. 1 by 6 or 2 by 6 lumber is ideal, and comes in 8-foot lengths. Most lumber yards will cut it in half at little or no cost. Exact dimensions are not critical. Deck screws work best to fasten the boards together. Rotate or alternate corners to end up with a square inside.

3 - AISLES. If you plan to have more than one garden box, separate them by 2 or 3 feet to form walkways.

4 - SOIL. Fill frame with Mel's Mix, a mixture of 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 coarse vermiculite (no dirt needed). A blended compost made from many ingredients provides all the nutrients the plants require (no chemical fertilizers needed). Peat moss and vermiculite help hold moisture and keep the soil loose.   It's best to make your own compost from many ingredients but if you have to buy it, make sure it is truly compost. Some stores sell mulch or humus and other ground covers but call it compost. Most commercial compost is made from one or two ingredients so to be  safe, don't buy all of one kind but one of each kind until you have enough for your garden.

It's really best to make your own compost, then you know what goes in it. When buying vermiculite, be sure to get the coarse grade, and get the more economical 4 cubic foot size bags.

If placing frames over grass you can dig out the grass or cover it with cardboard or landscape cloth to discourage grass and weeds from coming up through your new garden soil.

5 - GRID. On top of each frame place a permanent grid that divides the box into one foot squares. The grid is the unique feature that makes the whole system work so well. To show you why the grid is so important, do this little demonstration: Look at your 4 foot by 4 foot box with the grid on and imagine up to 16 different crops. What you see before you is a neat and attractive, well organized garden, that will be easy to manage.

Now remove the grid. Could you organize and manage this space without dividing it up into squares? Besides, without the grid you will be tempted to plant in rows, which is a poor use of space.

Grids can be made from nearly any material; wood, plastic strips, old venetian blinds, etc. Use screws or rivets to attach them where they cross. On a 4 foot by 4 foot frame, the grid divides the frame into 16 easy-to-manage spaces, for up to 16 different crops. Leave the grid in place all season. The grid can be cut long enough to fit across the top of the box or cut shorter to lay on the soil inside the box.

6 - CARE. Since you will NEVER walk on or depress the growing soil, don't make the frames any wider than 4 feet (2 feet, if only one side is accessible). Any wider makes it too difficult to reach in to tend the plants.

7 - SELECT. Depending on the mature size of the plant, grow 1, 4, 9, or 16 equally spaced plants per square foot. If the seed packet recommends plant spacing be 12 inches apart, plant one plant per square foot. If 6 inch spacing; 4 per square foot. If 4 inch spacing; 9 per square foot. If 3 inch spacing; 16 per square foot.

Comments

[Debbie]

So helpful, thanks for sharing!

[Ashley Hollis]

I have been researching this very same thing as well. This will be my first summer having a garden and I have been really lost so I'm pumped about this and I am headed over the website to do some more research. I can't wait to have fresh veggies grown from my very own garden not to mention all the fresh salsa I want to make! YUM!

[Alison F]

I'll have to use that when we get into a permanent place...and if I'm still in the same house next year I'll just do it! That's amazing time you put into sharing all that information. Isn't it awesome when you find something you are so excited about you could talk about it for ever? Sounds like you'll have great salads all summer! Good luck!

[Nicole]

Oooohhh I all ready started mine. I have two 4x4's, and one 4x4 a foot tall for nightshades and deep rooted plants. If you go to the library for the book, also look for his original book from the 70's. It is not as simplified as the most recent version but it has some great in depth explaination on crop square rotation and staggering seedlings for a continious harvest.

Also check out this blog, she has some great beds.
http://ft2garden.powweb.com/blog/

Can't wait to see your beds Kelly!

[carly jane]

You have no idea how happy this makes me! I was taught square foot gardening in the MTC as a welfare sister. Then I did the teaching in the MTC--we had little boxes and dirt and seeds and the whole bit to teach the welfare sisters before sending them off to 3rd world countries (until the church stopped sending jr. welfare sister :(. ) Anyhow, I taught my friend in Provo and just met a lady where I now live who is doing it too. If I didn't live in an apartment, I would have boxes all over my back yard! I am a BIG BIG fan. Way big. I am so excited you are going to do it. Carry on!

[alysha]

yes, I'm totally with you...cause I'm finally going to have a backyard!!

[Daisy Reyes]

How did you know that for my 30th birthday this Saturday I wanted to start a garden. That's what I've been asking for for weeks. And I really had no idea how I was going to do it - I had a box in mind, but this is PERFECT! Perfect timing! I can hardly wait to purchase the book. Thanks, Kelly, for sharing! Wish I lived closer and I'd join your RS wealth-o-knowledge meetings with the olders sisters!

[Hubby]

I'm out.

[tara pollard pakosta]

this sounds great! i will have to show my husband!
tara

[jendoop]

I think Hubby needs a V8 style smack up side the head.

Way to go!! Gardeners are the best people, always excited to share their bounty and knowledge with others. I already have a bed (came with the house) and have planted a few things. I have this book so I went against years of training from my mother and didn't do rows, I did squares, sort of. See all my work here: http://lajendi.typepad.com/lajendi/2008/04/dont-hate-me.html
Right now I'm at the point of waiting for the seeds to sprout, it is so exciting knowing the soil holds all that potential!!

[Christina]

I researched this a few years back, but still haven't started. You're motivating me to start ASAP! We've got a lot going on in your backyard right now, but I'm adding this project to the list. Thanks for your info- I can't wait!

[Melissa]

I love how you learn all of these amazing things from the older wiser women in your ward and community. What amazing things they have to teach and I am sure they love passing on their knowledge. I have always wanted to garden, but I am horrible at keeping things alive (other than my kids of course). I think I might actually be able to do this- I will follow along with you! The first part will be easy since I am living at a construction site, I should be able to find the wood I need! Thanks for sharing! You are awesome (as always).

[Brook]

This is my fifth year square foot gardening! The boxes and "Mel's mix" have moved with us three times. Currently, my garden boxes are full of daffodils and tulips that I planted last fall (I'll take out the bulbs when I plant this year's veggies). Thanks for posting the instructions and journal--I'll link this to my blog. I've taught a few friends and they have loved it as well.

[shelley]

my husband and i are also starting a square foot garden this summer, so i'll send you pictures of the progress. we tried a traditional garden last year and nothing really grew. we're hoping for better luck this year!

[shawn]

I have one going, this is my first year. I saw Mr. Bartholomew on a BYU program last fall, DVR'd it, then got his book at the library a couple months ago. Mine's in the "wood is cut, half screwed together, supplies purchased, a few things planted indoors" stage. Now if it would stop snowing around here, I'd be all set! Can't wait to compare and hear everyone else's tips!

[Kate Rober]

we are doing this for an ongoing enrichment activity as well. Square foot gardeing has been around for a while and is great! This year, we are even planting potatoes in a planter bag. The garden is great for our kids. They think eating veggies is fun.

[Jackie in Plesant Grove]

Two things...
First, I want to come to your weekly meetings! I bet I could learn so much!

Second, I have been dying to try square foot gardening after hearing a bit about it at Education Week last year. This year, I have sworn to go to the whole series of classes. But, now with your info, I can hit the library and start learning early!

[Holly]

I might have to look into this... my son is so into gardening and I never have been too good at it! (Or interested in it, for that matter haha!) But this might be just my ticket!! Thanks for the great info:)

[kristi]

oh my- just what I need! my yard is weird- not much room for a garden, so this is perfect! and I love the idea of composting! must read up on it. thanks for sharing!

[Rachel]

Ha Ha Ha Ha! That is the funniest thing! My Grandpa G was converted to this and was all stoked on it, so naturally he convinced my mom to try it. She had the boxes built the the perfect soil, the book, etc ... You know, everything you need to be the perfect square foot gardener. But it in the true character of the passionate lady that she is, it lies on the side of the house as an unfinished project. I know that my mom is desperately trying to get rid of it, even more so my dad is desperately trying to get rid of it. This desperation is rushed by the upcoming wedding reception in the backyard. So, as an awesome excuse to visit, get your fanny down here and collect your gardening tools.

[Jessica K.]

I would love to do this...Can it work in Phoenix heat (I'm talkin' 120 degree summers?)? I will definately research this more. Awesome project for my craft hungry kids and a great way for them to become more conscious of the food we eat. It doesn't get anymore local than your backyard.

[bek]

We do this in Africa. In fact, the church teaches folks how to do it and they have done a lot of research about it. I have seen BEAUTIFUL square foot gardens there (where people literally only have a foot of space) and never really seen it catch on here.

I would love to try this but it seems so overwhelming... it is nice to see it broken down..

[tara]

you dont even know.
i am THRILLED with this idea. THRILLED.
for someone who has a hard time keeping her annuals alive for one season-i think this is just the right "size" for me. also, i want to start composting.
im in. but i might need a late start.

[april]

Wish I could join in on the fun. I live and work at a camp with 200 kids running around outside my front door all hours of the day and night the entire summer. The only thing I can manage to keep alive is anything planted right next to my cottage walls. But I do get to hear kids laughing and playing all summer! Can't wait to see how everything goes!

[kj]

I'm with you, though it's still winter up here in the arctic (I mean Idaho), so I may be a bit behind you. It's our first year for a garden, and I've started a few things in my kitchen...Thanks for posting this! Now my husband is 100% on board and willing to actually cut pieces of wood...

[natalie]

kelly you are awesome to put all the info in one place and share your excitement. i was just telling ethan and i wanted to put in a garden.. i'm sure he will say what grant posted. but it looks very cool, i will have too see if the book is available at the library. this may motivate me to EAT vegetables. nice.

[katrikoehle]

We have quite a few raised gardens. Very simular, except I have to weed (lame!)

My kids are really cute "helping" me out there. The trick is the uber hot summer. None of us want to be out there then.

Keep posting about your progress with this. How wonderful.

Surely the health benefits of growing your own food will negate any feelings of guilt/shame/whatever it is we all feel about diet coke. Don't you think??? :)

[nanc]

Pamela, of the Purling P's fame, told me about your post. We built and planted out first garden this year and we're excited to see everything growing. I've just recently posted pictures of our boxes (2 2x3' and 1 triangular) on our blog.

Very excited to give this a whirl!

[Marne]

Hi Kelli,
I have been a lurker of your blog for awhile...but I must reply to this post. I have been doing Square Foot Gardening for the past two years and I LOVE IT. It is the best thing I have ever done. Everything Mel says is true! It is so easy to grow things...no weeding...and my plants and flowers grow much bigger and healthier doing SFG than in regular soil. I did have a problem last year with squirrels...I hate them...and some overwatering, but only because I put a bottom on that box and it held all the water in. Other-wise I had a fabulous experience! It is amazing how much you can grow in one little box.

[Jill]

Kelly. I love you! This is just what we needed. Last year we grew plants on our balcony in pots and it didn't work so well. This, I think, will work better. I'm in.

[Jenn]

I am so with you on this - I've read that book before and loved the ideas - now if the weather would just cooperate a little more, I'd get right on it (snow yesterday? seriously?!?)

[Jenn]

I am so with you on this - I've read that book before and loved the ideas - now if the weather would just cooperate a little more, I'd get right on it (snow yesterday? seriously?!?)

[SummersCamp]

I wish I could... good luck! *B

[likely]

I am IN. Kelly, I already have a planter box that my husband and I built last summer that is rectangular. Is probably 4' by 8'. Do you think it will still work with the square method??

I would think so.

I need to do some more research now to find out how much to plant in a square and what to plant where...

how fun. This will give me a better structure. I will have to do some transplanting .....

[likely]

okay, I just checked out the site and I am wondering as I am looking through the pictures if you can grow anything you want in these boxes... Most of the plants are very close to the ground. And they don't seem to be full size. I am thinking - how would my zinnias do in there? And the tomato climbing - what varieties do that??? Because I don't know if the tomatoes I usually grow would be too crazy big in there.

I am just seeing lots of small plants...

I will keep researching though... I love the diea

[likely]

that was supposed to be idea at the end.

[Emily]

I am SO with you. On my walk through the neighborhood last night I saw lots of scrap wood in the construction trash piles. Looks like it's time to go scavenge.

[JaNae]

My dad has been gardening like this since I was little. We had huge grow boxes in our backyard growing up. We always had the best produce & it was a great family bonding experience. Even though we didn't think so @ 6 am on sat mornings. good luck to you
to likely (above): All tomatoes will climb, you just have to train them.

[Stephanie Jedlicka]

We just started gardening this way a few months ago. We started composting early last year and have been using it for our new garden. I'll totally do this with you! :)

[Rachel]

I am so in.
We're moving in a month and finally getting a HOUSE and I'm so excited about a garden!
This post came just in time.

[Peg Graham]

OK...I'm with you!!! NOw I need DH to build my box! My Pop is a Master Gardener, so I bet I coulkd ask him to help me get started too. wahoo!

Thanks! I'll post pics when I start.

hugs-Peg

[Chamaine]

I am so there! Building the squares this weekend is the perfect project for my hubbie to do while I am out of town! I will begin planting in one week! Thanks for the great idea!

[Jen Ballantyne]

Hi there, I am just new to your blog, it is lovely! I love gardening but do get frustrated with all the hassles that go along with it ie, poor soil, bugs, chemicals, etc so this is perfect. I will definitely give it a go and will let you know once I have started. Thanks for sharing this info with us, take care JEn B.

[Jennifer]

Count me in! Just filled our box with Mel's Mix last night. I'm already in love.

[brittany]

This is so funny that I happened on this post today, my mom came into town and suggested we try one (we live in the high-desert = not good for gardens) we built one and put it in last weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but would love you hear how yours is going!

[Laura Solomon]

I live in Michigan and I'm preparing to start a SFG. (I can't even wait)
I LOVE your blog.
I am bookmarking it to see your progress.
Thank you,
Laura

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