Square Foot Gardening
People often ask us about the square foot gardening method. Here we will explain the growing method as well answer some questions relating to this planting style. At the end of this article there is a link to the Square Foot Gardening Foundation where you can learn even more about this gardening method.
What is square foot gardening?
Square foot gardening is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections, typically 1 foot by 1 foot, hence the name. The aim is to assist the planning and creating of a small but intensively planted vegetable garden by dividing the garden into a grid of 1-foot squares, which are managed individually.
Does square foot gardening really work?
Square foot gardening is super efficient, growing 100% of the crop in 20% of the space, making it ideal for those with space limitations. Densely planted crops can create a living mulch of sorts, preventing weeds from germinating or getting firmly established.
How deep does a square foot garden need to be?
The soil in square foot gardens should be a minimum of 6 inches deep, but 12 inches is better to accommodate root crops such as carrots, potatoes and parsnips.
How often should I water my square foot garden?
In our USDA plant hardiness zone (9a), for vegetables in the summer, we recommend applying a minimum of about 1 inch of water over the surface area of the garden bed per week. That is equivalent to about 3/4 gallons per square foot. Using this rate, a 32 square foot bed requires about 24 gallons of water per week.
How do you irrigate a square foot garden?
Irrigation depends on the size of your square foot garden. For a small square foot garden, it can easily be hand watered if you have the time. For a larger square foot garden or one with multiple beds, then an irrigation system may be the way to go for you.
How much food will 100 square feet grow?
Most people seem to agree that for a conventional vegetable garden about 100 square feet per person is needed for a fresh eating garden and about 200 square feet per person if you want to can food for year round use.
Can you square foot gardening be practiced without raised beds?
To me, raised beds have have a number of benefits, including:
Soil management;
Pest and weed control;
Irrigation; and,
Ergonomics (since you’re not having to bend down quite as much).
Because of this, raised beds would always be my choice for vegetable gardening in general and square foot gardening in particular. However, if you don’t have ability to build a raised bed in your yard, you can definitely plant a square foot garden in ground. You just need to be a little more diligent in keeping your crops protected from ground pests, like gophers and moles, and with soil maintenance and weed control.
Where can I find out more about square foot gardening?
Mel Bartholomew is The Godfather of the square foot gardening method. Mel started the Square Foot Gardening Foundation in 1996 with the mission “to help end world hunger one square foot at a time.” Now entering its third decade in operation, the Foundation continues Mel’s mission by introducing new gardeners to the square foot method. To find out more information about square foot gardening, we recommend visiting the Square Foot Gardening Foundation website.