Square Foot Gardening

Another technique for vegetable gardening. It was developed by Mr. Bartholomew during the eighties and since then has gained prominence. It started as a result of problems faced as a result of community allotment.

This technique involves creating garden beds which are divided into square foot areas. This technique is based on four foot square. This technique gives the advantage of growing large number of plants in a square area. Crops are planted at frequent intervals so that the produce can be obtained throughout the year.

Tips To Start A Square Foot Garden

• The area that you have chosen for plantation should get adequate sunshine.
• The area should be near your house for convenience.
• A puddle should not be created in the area during the rainy season.
• Shady areas should be avoided.

Basics Of Square Foot Gardening

Layout

Garden should be arranged in 4'*4' squares.

Boxes

Boxes are needed so as to create new soil mix above the ground.

Aisles

Boxes should be spaced 3' apart to create aisles.

Soil

The recommended soil mix is 1/3 blended compost,1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 coarse vermiculite.

Grid

A square grid must be made for each box.

Care

Avoid walking on the growing soil.

Water

Watering of plants should be done with normal temperature water.

Selection Of Plants

Different kind of plants should be planted in each square foot.

Harvest

After harvesting, do take care to add compost to fertilize it again and replant it with a new crop.

Benefits Of Square Foot Gardening

• The space required for square foot gardening is 80% less than conventional gardening.
• The water used in square foot gardening is 20% of that used in conventional gardening.
• Square foot gardening uses less seeds for plantation.
• The harvest is 5 times more than conventional gardening.
• Space required for square foot gardening is quite less.
• It is a natural way of growing plants.