When you start looking into backyard gardening, it quickly becomes clear that there are countless ways to plan your garden. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various organic gardening methods like companion planting and crop rotation. For small spaces, though, square foot gardening has been one of the most effective approaches.
Square foot gardening is a great way to create a neat, productive garden, even if you’re new to growing your own food. It’s visually appealing, too, so even your neighbors will appreciate the view. This method was developed in the early 1980s by retired engineer Mel Bartholomew. It’s a system that helps you grow more food in less space, and it has only gained popularity over time, with new techniques improving on the original concept.
A square foot garden stands out because of its unique design. It can be as uncomplicated as a simple wooden frame or even as intricate as a vertical garden. While a traditional garden features long rows with bare soil in between (which are perfect for weeds to thrive), a raised 4 x 4 foot bed in a square foot garden can cultivate the same amount of produce, thanks to its spacing strategy. This setup is excellent for minimizing weed growth, making it easy to maintain, and conserving water.
The magic of square foot gardening lies in its precise formula for deciding what to plant in each square foot based on the size of the plants. This means you don’t need to memorize every plant’s specific spacing and nutrient needs. Advocates say you can achieve the same harvest with 80% less space and much less effort. Here’s how to start your square foot garden:
First, there’s some preliminary planning: Ensure your garden site has enough sunlight and good drainage. Ideally, the garden should get 6–8 hours of sun, away from any shading trees or obstructions southeast. Having it near your house also makes watering and harvesting more convenient.
Consider how much produce you want. A single 4 x 4 foot bed might be enough for a small family, but you might want more beds if you plan to preserve your harvest for later use. Leave 3-foot aisles between each garden bed and cover them with mulch to control weeds.
Even if you don’t have much ground space, you can elevate garden boxes to a comfortable height. This not only saves space but also reduces strain on your back and knees.
Getting started is easy! You can buy pre-made square foot garden boxes or make your own with basic materials. Some garden stores even sell concrete forms where you just slot in the boards. Here’s what you need to construct your own:
Once the box is ready, you might want to add a vertical trellis for climbing plants like cucumbers and pole beans. The trellis helps you grow more in a limited space.
You’ll need strips to form a grid of 16 squares on top of your planter box. This step may seem unusual at first, but it will make sense when you start planting.
Mel Bartholomew, the creator of Square Foot Gardening, suggests using his “Mel’s Mix” soil blend, which comprises one-third compost, one-third coarse vermiculite, and one-third peat moss by volume. Choose various composts for a balanced nutrient mix, and fill your bed with about 8 cubic feet of soil mix for a 4 x 4 foot bed.
For the planting grid, consider your family’s preferences. Think about what you eat often and what you’d like to grow, like salad greens or fresh herbs. Some plants like melon and squash need more space, so place them wisely within the grid. The soil mix’s nutrients will keep the need for extra fertilizers down.
Raised beds offer the advantage of easily adding cold frames or pest-proof covers. Simple structures made of boards and chicken wire can protect your garden from pests, making them especially useful for strawberries and greens.
While square foot gardening is incredibly popular, remember it’s not the only option. Combining different techniques like intercropping and companion planting can enhance your garden’s health. You don’t have to limit yourself to raised beds either—try incorporating plants around your yard or in containers on your porch.
Have you given square foot gardening a try? What benefits or challenges have you encountered? Feel free to share your insights!
