Square Foot Gardening

I’m exploring the idea of square foot gardening for the two foot wide strip closest to the house. I have a small space to garden in, only about 5 x 6 feet overall and square foot gardening is ideal for small spaces. I am fortunate to have the major benefit that I do have dirt on the ground rather than needing to build or buy my own planters and all my dirt. Square foot gardening is the idea that you designate an area to be used as your square foot garden, break it down in the one square foot sections, and plant a different produce item in each square foot. When you harvest the item out of one section you replace it with something new.

My dirt does need to be improved before I start. What I’m working in is very heavy with clay and I’ve struggled to dig holes deep enough for the plants I have planted so far. I’m planning to go out to my city’s waste center (dump, recycling, and composting all at one location) where they often have fresh compost that can be picked up by residents for free (it’s hard work since you have to shovel it all yourself on both ends but at least you’re not paying for dirt). I filled two 36 gallon trash cans with this dirt and put it in my gardening patch last year but now I’m thinking it was not enough as the dirt level is still several inches below the patio. Adding more dirt won’t just make it look nicer but will give the plants a more nutritious place to grow. I’ll add that dirt around everything and replant anything that seems to get buried to far down. Two more full 36 gallon trash cans should hopefully do it.

I’m not sure exactly what I’ll plant there yet but once I have the area prepared, I’ll consult my Better Homes and Gardens Garden Book to see what fruits or vegetables are best for starting in my area and at that time.

Shared in Thrifty Green Thursday.
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