All new square foot gardening

The Square Foot Gardening (SFG) method! A revolutionary approach to gardening that's easy to learn, space-efficient, and productive. Here's an overview of the new square foot gardening method:

What is Square Foot Gardening?

Square Foot Gardening is a gardening technique developed by Mel Bartholomew in the 1980s. It's a simple, low-maintenance, and highly productive way to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in small spaces. The method involves dividing a raised bed into small, square sections, each measuring 1 square foot (12 inches x 12 inches).

Key Principles:

  1. Divide and Conquer: Divide the raised bed into small, square sections (1 square foot each) to maximize space and reduce soil compaction.
  2. Thinning: Plant seeds or seedlings at a higher density than traditional gardening, and then thin them out to the desired spacing.
  3. Companion Planting: Plant different vegetables, herbs, and flowers together to promote healthy growth, reduce pests and diseases, and improve soil fertility.
  4. Soil Mix: Use a custom-blended soil mix that's lightweight, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
  5. Watering: Water the entire bed lightly and frequently, rather than individual plants, to reduce evaporation and runoff.

Benefits:

  1. Increased Yield: SFG allows for more plants to be grown in a smaller space, resulting in a higher yield.
  2. Water Efficiency: The method reduces water waste and runoff, making it an ideal choice for water-conscious gardeners.
  3. Reduced Soil Compaction: The small, square sections reduce soil compaction, allowing for better root growth and aeration.
  4. Easy Maintenance: SFG is a low-maintenance method, as the small sections make it easy to weed, water, and harvest.
  5. Flexibility: SFG can be adapted to any size or shape of raised bed, making it suitable for small backyards, balconies, or even indoor containers.

Tips for New Square Foot Gardeners:

  1. Start Small: Begin with a small raised bed (4x4 feet or 16 square feet) to get a feel for the method.
  2. Choose the Right Soil Mix: Use a custom-blended soil mix specifically designed for SFG.
  3. Plan Your Layout: Plan your layout carefully to ensure proper spacing and companion planting.
  4. Water Wisely: Water the entire bed lightly and frequently to avoid overwatering.
  5. Monitor and Adjust: Monitor your plants' progress and adjust your watering, pruning, and fertilizing as needed.

Resources:

  1. Books: "All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew (the original book that started the SFG movement)
  2. Online Communities: Join online forums, social media groups, or online gardening communities to connect with other SFG enthusiasts and get tips and advice.
  3. Local Gardening Clubs: Look for local gardening clubs or organizations that may offer SFG workshops, classes, or resources.

By following these principles and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving and productive Square Foot Garden. Happy gardening!