SQ FT Planting – A Revolutionary Approach to Gardening

Gardening is a passion shared by many, but not everyone has the luxury of ample space. This is where square foot gardening comes into play, a method that has revolutionized the way we approach small-space gardening. Developed in the 1980s by Mel Bartholomew, an American horticulturalist, this technique maximizes production in minimal space, making it ideal for urban gardeners, beginners, and those with physical limitations.

The Birth of a Gardening Innovation

The concept of square foot gardening emerged from Bartholomew’s observation of the inefficiency and waste in traditional row gardening. He introduced a grid system, dividing the garden space into square feet sections. This method not only organizes the garden visually but also simplifies the management of planting, growing, and harvesting.

Setting Up Your Square Foot Garden

Creating a square foot garden begins with constructing raised beds, usually 4 feet by 4 feet, and filling them with a rich soil mix. The beds are then marked off in one-foot intervals, creating distinct squares. Each square is used to plant a different kind of plant, depending on its size. For instance, you can plant one tomato plant in a square, or up to sixteen radishes.

Why Square Foot Gardening Stands Out

This gardening method offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow more in a smaller area. The raised beds ensure better soil conditions and drainage, and since gardeners don’t step on the growing areas, soil compaction is greatly reduced. Additionally, maintenance becomes simpler – watering, weeding, and harvesting are much more manageable.

Companion Planting and Crop Rotation

Square foot gardening also lends itself well to companion planting, where certain plants are grown together to enhance each other’s growth or deter pests. It’s also easy to rotate crops in this system, which is important for soil health and preventing disease.

Accessibility and Educational Value

One of the greatest advantages of square foot gardening is its accessibility. The method is straightforward enough for beginners and is an excellent educational tool for teaching children about gardening. Plus, the raised beds can be built at a height that makes them accessible to those with mobility issues.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gardening

In an era where sustainable living is more important than ever, square foot gardening offers an eco-friendly approach to growing food. It requires less water than traditional methods, less fertilizer, and since the gardens are more controlled, less pesticide.

Pros and Cons of Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. It’s crucial for gardeners to weigh these to determine if this method aligns with their gardening goals.

Pros

• Maximized Space Utilization – Ideal for small areas, allowing more plants in less space.
• Reduced Maintenance – Easier weeding, watering, and harvesting due to the organized layout.
• High Yield – Efficient space use leads to a higher yield per square foot.
• Improved Soil Conditions – Raised beds promote better soil, drainage, and root growth.
• Minimal Soil Compaction – The design prevents stepping on the planting areas, maintaining soil structure.
• Less Water Usage – Targeted watering leads to less water wastage.
• Accessibility – Raised beds can be customized for different heights, making it accessible for individuals with mobility issues.
• Pest and Weed Control – Easier to manage and control pests and weeds in a confined space.
• Educational and Fun – A great way to teach children or beginners about gardening.

Cons

• Initial Setup Cost – Higher upfront costs for materials like soil, lumber, and grids.
• Limited Plant Choices – Not suitable for large or sprawling plants like some squashes or melons.
• Regular Soil Amendments – The nutrient-rich soil mix needs replenishment and fertilization more frequently.
• Watering Needs – Requires consistent watering, as raised beds can dry out faster.
• Potential for Overplanting – Without proper planning, there’s a risk of overcrowding plants.
• Climate Limitations – In colder climates, raised beds can freeze more quickly, shortening the growing season.
• Physical Effort – Building the beds and mixing soil can be labor-intensive.

Conclusion: Maximizing Potential in Minimal Space

Square foot gardening is more than just a method; it’s a movement towards efficient, sustainable, and accessible gardening. Whether you have a small backyard, a balcony, or a community garden space, this method can be adapted to fit your needs, allowing you to grow fresh produce and enjoy the beauty of gardening, no matter the size of your green space.

Square Foot Gardening FAQ

1. What is square foot gardening?
   Square foot gardening is a method of creating small, orderly, and highly productive kitchen gardens. It involves dividing a growing area into small square sections (typically 1 foot by 1 foot) to plan and organize the garden efficiently.
2. How do I build a square foot garden box?
   To build a square foot garden box, you’ll need to create a raised bed, which can be made from wood, stone, or plastic. The size is often 4 feet by 4 feet, but can be adjusted. Divide the bed into square foot sections using slats or strings to create a grid.
3. What is Mel’s Mix?
   Mel’s Mix is a soil mixture created by Mel Bartholomew for square foot gardening. It consists of 1/3 blended compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 coarse vermiculite. This mix ensures good drainage and a nutrient-rich environment for plants.
4. How do I plant a square foot garden?
   In each square foot section of your garden, plant a specific number of seeds or seedlings, based on the size of the mature plants. For example, plant one cabbage or broccoli per square, four lettuces, or sixteen carrots.
5. What are the best crops to grow in a square foot garden?
   Ideal crops for square foot gardening include salad greens, herbs, radishes, carrots, onions, and other small vegetables. Some larger plants like tomatoes or peppers can also be grown, but they will require more space per plant.
6. How do I water my square foot garden?
   Water your square foot garden by hand or with a drip irrigation system, focusing on the base of the plants. It’s important to water regularly and consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
7. How do I fertilize my square foot garden?
   Fertilize your garden using compost or a balanced, all-purpose organic fertilizer. Since Mel’s Mix already contains compost, additional fertilization might not be necessary except for heavy-feeding plants.
8. How do I control pests and diseases in my square foot garden?
   Pest and disease control in a square foot garden involves regular monitoring, using barriers or nets to protect plants, encouraging beneficial insects, and practicing crop rotation. For specific issues, organic or chemical controls can be used.
9. How do I harvest my square foot garden?
   Harvest your garden as the crops become ripe. This will vary depending on the plant. Regular harvesting often encourages more production, especially in the case of leafy greens and herbs.
10. What are the benefits of square foot gardening?
    The benefits include efficient use of space, reduced maintenance, less watering, minimal weeding, better pest control, and a higher yield per square foot compared to traditional gardening methods.

Bonus Question:

Can I grow “X” in a square foot garden?
Most vegetables and herbs can be grown in a square foot garden. However, the feasibility depends on the plant’s size and growth habits. Larger plants like pumpkins may not be suitable, while compact varieties of most vegetables are ideal.

Links:

Square Foot Garden Guide (UC Davis Short Guide)

UW Square Foot Garden Video