Square Foot Gardening

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Have you ever dreamed of having a lush, productive garden but felt limited by space? Square foot gardening might just be the perfect solution for you. This innovative gardening method maximizes space and minimizes work, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. Let’s dive into what square foot gardening is all about, how you can start your own, and explore a comprehensive square foot gardening chart of vegetables that thrive in this setup.

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What is Square Foot Gardening?

Square foot gardening is a simple, efficient, and highly productive gardening method that divides your garden space into small, manageable sections, usually 1-foot by 1-foot squares. This method was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in the 1980s as a way to grow more food in less space with less effort. By using raised beds filled with a rich, nutrient-dense soil mix, you can easily manage and rotate crops, reduce weeds, and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

square foot gardening

Benefits of Square Foot Gardening

  • Maximized Space: Perfect for small yards, patios, or even balconies.
  • Reduced Weeding: The dense planting method minimizes space for weeds to grow.
  • Efficient Watering: Smaller sections allow for targeted watering, saving water and reducing disease.
  • Easy Rotation: Rotate crops effortlessly to maintain soil health.
  • Higher Yields: Intensive planting often leads to higher yields per square foot.
2023 Summer Garden using square foot gardening

Getting Started with Square Foot Gardening

  • Choose Your Location: Find a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
  • Build Your Raised Bed: Construct a raised bed using untreated wood or other safe materials. A 4×4-foot bed is ideal for beginners.
  • Prepare the Soil: Fill your bed with a mix of one-third compost, one-third peat moss, and one-third vermiculite.
  • Create the Grid: Divide the bed into a grid of 1-foot squares using string or use a cardboard cut out like I did.
  • Plan Your Planting: Use the square foot gardening chart below to decide what and how much to plant in each square.

Here’s a chart to help you plan your square foot garden. Each square represents a 1-foot by 1-foot section of your raised bed. If the vegetable you are looking for is not noted here, do a Google search for “square foot gardening chart” and you should find plenty of sources.

Photo by Ella Olsson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/variety-of-vegetables-1458694/
Vegetable/HerbPlants per Square FootNotes
Asparagus1Perennial; plant once and harvest for years.
Artichoke1Requires rich soil and plenty of space.
Arugula4-6Fast-growing; ideal for successive planting.
Aloe Vera1Needs well-drained soil; medicinal use.
Basil4Great for companion planting with tomatoes.
Beet9Requires deep, loose soil for root growth.
Bell Pepper1Needs staking or caging for support.
Bok Choy4Thrives in cool weather; harvest young leaves.
Broccoli1Prefers cooler temperatures; stagger planting.
Brussels Sprout1Long growing season; needs sturdy support.
Cabbage1Prefers cooler temperatures; space out plantings.
Carrots16Needs deep, loose soil; thin seedlings early.
Cauliflower1Requires consistent moisture; watch for pests.
Celery4Prefers rich, moist soil; long growing season.
Chard4Continuous harvest; cut outer leaves first.
Corn1Plant in blocks for better pollination.
Cucumber2 (with trellis)Trellising saves space and improves air circulation.
Chamomile1Ideal for tea; attracts beneficial insects.
Chives9Perennial; great for borders and containers.
Cilantro4Fast-growing; prefers cooler weather.
Dill1-2Great companion plant; reseeds easily.
Eggplant1Requires warm temperatures and staking.
Endive4Prefers cool weather; bitter if grown too warm.
Garlic9-16Plant in fall for summer harvest; needs well-drained soil.
Green Beans4-9 (bush), 9-16 (pole)Bush beans are compact; pole beans need trellis.
Ginger1Plant rhizomes; needs warm, humid conditions.
Jicama1Requires long growing season and warm temperatures.
Kale1Hardy and productive; harvest outer leaves.
Kohlrabi4Fast-growing; harvest when bulbs are small.
Lavender1Needs well-drained soil; attracts pollinators.
Lemon Balm1Vigorous grower; best in containers to control spread.
Lemongrass1Requires warm temperatures and full sun.
Leek9Long growing season; blanch by mounding soil.
Lettuce4Continuous harvest; plant successively.
Marjoram1Needs well-drained soil; great for seasoning.
Mint1Best grown in containers to prevent spreading.
Okra1Needs warm temperatures and full sun.
Onion9-16Plant sets or seedlings; keep well-watered.
Oregano1Perennial; needs well-drained soil.
Parsley4Biennial; great for borders and containers.
Parsnip16Long growing season; harvest after frost for sweetness.
Pea8-16 (with trellis)Cool-weather crop; trellising saves space.
Potatoes1Plant in deep soil or containers; mound soil as they grow.
Pumpkin1 (requires multiple squares)Needs plenty of space; plant in hills.
Rosemary1Perennial; needs well-drained soil and full sun.
Radicchio4Prefers cool weather; slightly bitter taste.
Radish16Fast-growing; great for successive planting.
Romaine4Crisp leaves; plant successively for continuous harvest.
Rhubarb1Perennial; harvest stalks, not leaves (toxic).
Rutabaga9Best grown in cooler temperatures.
Scallion9-16Easy to grow; continuous harvest.
Shallot9-16Plant in fall for summer harvest.
Spinach9Prefers cool weather; fast-growing.
Squash1 (requires multiple squares)Needs plenty of space; plant in hills.
Sweet Potato1Needs warm temperatures and long growing season.
Swiss Chard4Continuous harvest; very versatile.
Snapdragon1Attractive flowers; great for borders.
Sunflower1Tall varieties need staking; attracts pollinators.
Tomatillo1Needs support; great for salsas.
Tomato1Needs support; prune for better airflow.
Turnip9Fast-growing; greens and roots are edible.
Tarragon1Perennial; great for seasoning.
Thyme1Perennial; needs well-drained soil.
Turmeric1Plant rhizomes; needs warm, humid conditions.
Wasabi1Needs cool, shady conditions; slow-growing.
Zucchini1 (requires multiple squares)Very productive; needs space.
Photo by Mark Stebnicki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pile-of-assorted-varieties-of-vegetables-2255935/

Tips for a Successful Square Foot Garden

  • Companion Planting: Plant complementary plants together to enhance growth and deter pests. For example, basil and tomatoes grow well together.
  • Succession Planting: Replant squares as soon as they are harvested to maximize yields throughout the growing season.
  • Vertical Gardening: Use trellises and stakes to grow climbing plants like cucumbers and beans, saving space and improving air circulation.
  • Pest Control: Use natural pest deterrents like neem oil, companion planting, and physical barriers to keep your garden healthy.
  • Regular Maintenance: Check your garden daily for watering needs, pests, and harvest opportunities.
garden beds

Can You Do Square Foot Gardening Without Raised Beds?

Absolutely! Square foot gardening is a versatile and efficient method that can be adapted to various gardening setups, including in-ground gardens. Here’s how you can implement square foot gardening without raised beds:

1. Planning Your Garden: Start by choosing a suitable location with good soil and adequate sunlight. Measure and mark out a grid directly on the ground using string or stakes. Each square should be one square foot.

2. Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients. You might need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to achieve the right consistency and fertility.

3. Creating the Grid: Use garden twine, stakes, or even a physical barrier like bricks or boards to create a visible grid. This will help you organize and plant each square foot according to the needs of the plants you choose. Or cut out a 12 x 12-inch square piece of cardboard as I did. I find this the easiest approach.

4. Planting: Follow the square foot gardening planting guide to determine how many plants can go into each square. For example, you can plant one tomato plant, four lettuce plants, or sixteen carrot seeds in each square foot.

5. Maintenance: Regularly water, weed, and monitor your garden. Because each square foot is densely planted, it’s essential to keep an eye on pests and diseases and to provide consistent care.

6. Benefits: Even without raised beds, square foot gardening offers benefits like efficient use of space, reduced weeding, and easier maintenance. It’s a great method for maximizing yields in small or irregularly shaped gardens.

Tips for Successful In-Ground Square Foot Gardening

  • Soil Quality: Test your soil and amend it as needed to ensure it provides a healthy environment for your plants.
  • Weed Control: Lay down a weed barrier or mulch around your plants to help control weeds.
  • Drainage: Ensure your garden area has good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil, which can harm plant roots.
  • Crop Rotation: Practice crop rotation within your squares to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest buildup.
  • Companion Planting: Utilize companion planting to improve yields and protect plants from pests.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully implement square foot gardening directly in your garden soil, enjoying the benefits of this efficient planting method without the need for raised beds.

square foot gardening pin

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