SQUARE FOOT GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS

Spring is the perfect time to start a garden, however, it can become confusing, especially for beginners.

With so many different ways to plant a garden, it can be difficult to choose a method that best suits you, especially if you are lacking space.

This is where square foot gardening comes in.

When it comes to square foot gardening for beginners, there are several ways to get started.

WHAT IS SQUARE FOOT GARDENING?

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Square foot gardening is a method of planting that was brought to light in the 1970s.

T.V. presenter and American author Mel Bartholomew wanted to gardens with raised beds that were also easy to take care of.

Square foot gardens are low maintenance and have several unique characteristics.

Square foot gardens are comprised of small uniform raised beds, rich amended soil, a grid that divides the surface of each bed into one-inch squares and a specific number of plants per square foot.

SQUARE FOOT GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS

Before you get started planting your square foot garden, you will want to make sure that you have a dedicated garden space.

Your space can be a patio, a small yard, a deck or a balcony.

If you are doing a raised garden bed, you will want to ensure that you have the soil prepared.

STEP 1 – DIVIDE YOUR SPACE

Use a ruler or tape measure and start from one end of the garden.

Mark off every 12 inches and repeat this process on all sides of the gardening space to ensure they are straight and accurate.

STEP 2 – MARK THE FEET

Put a garden stake or something else that can be used as an attachment at the 1-foot spot you marked off. Make sure it’s in the garden bed deep enough to be sturdy.

STEP 3 – CREATE SQUARES

Create squares in your garden using twine.

Unravel the twine and tie one end to your garden stake or attachment and then connect it to another one at the opposite side of the bed.

Make sure your ties are tight and straight.

Repeat this process until you have several squares in your square foot garden.

STEP 4 – MAP OUT YOUR GARDEN

Before you begin planting your garden you are going to want to make sure that you choose the correct plants. There are several things to consider when choosing what you want to grow.

How much sun your garden will get.
How much space you have to grow.
What grows best in your area.

Once you have considered these things you can purchase your plants and start planting.

STEP 5 – GET PLANTING

No matter what you are attempting to plant in your square foot garden, it is sure to be successful.

How much you grow in each section depends on what you decide to plant.

In some sections, you may have 16 small plants like green onions, while others will only have 1 plant, like broccoli. Just make sure to do your research before you get started and space things out according to each specific plant.