Because of limited space, time or resources, a large vegetable or flower garden for many may simply be too much. For those who fall in this category, but crave the taste of a vine-ripe tomato or the smell of fresh cut flowers on the dining room table, the Square Foot Garden system may just be the answer.
Some years ago, Mel Bartholomew made Square Foot Gardening popular when he published a book by that name and today many find that his system is just right for their needs.
Gardening by the square foot requires that available space be divided up into 12 inch by 12 inch squares each separated by some type of wood or concrete barrier. Each square becomes, in itself, an individual garden, and can be managed independently of all the other squares, if necessary.
Each square usually receives just one plant, especially if that one plant will reach a large size at maturity. The 144 square inches of space are enough to support the roots of one large plant but not more. Some plants that do not have a large, spreading root system, such as carrots, baby lettuce, or some flowers may planted to a higher density. However, the higher the plant density, the more intense the management must be in order to guarantee success.
Gardening by the square foot requires good management consistently applied throughout the growing season. Because of the much smaller area, there will be fewer plants to produce the food or flowers needed for the home and, thus, there is a much smaller allowance for error.
In a large garden, the loss of one or two plants usually is hardly noticed, but in a square foot garden, the loss of even just one plant can be catastrophic. The gardener much be careful that water, nutrients, and pest control strategies are applied at the right time and in the correct amounts to ensure that the garden produces satisfactorily.
The square foot garden works because it allows the gardener to focus attention to individual plants as necessary. Because of this, most plants will be healthier and consequently more productive that those lost in the crowd of a larger garden.
If the small area garden is correctly designed, and with good management, it is quite possible to have a year round garden producing many of the fruits, flowers and vegetables that are so much enjoyed by many people.
First, it is important to design the beds so that they can be easily worked from the edges without having to step into the garden proper to reach the plants. A long, narrow bed, no more than 4 feet wide, but as long as necessary to give the volume of food and flowers needed by the gardener is a common arrangement.
Second, a simple and reliable watering system is essential. Many use a drip or soaker irrigation system attached to a timer to take away the risk of forgetting an irrigation. In summer heat, this could be a fatal omission.
Third, plan ahead for weed and insect control. For most weeds and large insects, like caterpillars, hand picking may be the easiest way to eliminate these pests. For invasive, perennial weeds like nutsedge and bermudagrass, and for tiny insects like whiteflies, aphids and mealy bugs, be prepared to use some other form of pest control appropriate for that specific pest.
Redwood 2 X 4 lumber makes good borders for the square foot garden because of redwood’s pleasing color and resistance to rot. It is a little more expensive, but it will last longer than other types of wood.
Select garden varieties that are specifically adapted to local conditions. With intensive management, it is possible to nurture along some varieties that otherwise would not usually do well in this environment, but for best results, use the tried and tested varieties.
Finally, consider adding hoops to the garden to support clear plastic coverings during the winter and sun screens during the summer to extend growing seasons and improve produce quality.
Supporting hoops can easily be installed using 1 inch PVC plastic pipe. Drill 1 inch holes into the tops of the 2 X 4's almost all the way through the wood every 2 feet using a 1 inch hole saw attached to a power drill. It will be into these holes that the PVC ends will be inserted. For a 4 feet wide bed, use 10 feet long pipe for best results. Some gardeners have used metal stakes driven into the ground instead of drilling the holes. The PVC pipe is fitted over the stakes to keep them in place.
Stabilize the tops of each of the individual hoops by cutting holes into another 2 X 4 at the same distances as were cut into the bed frames. Get someone to help as each individual hoop is threaded through its respective hole. Once the ridge pole is in place, the ends of the pipe can be inserted into the bed frame holes or fitted over the metal stakes.
With the center 2 X 4 now at the peak of the hoops, it will act as a spacer to keep each hoop at the appropriate distance from its neighbor. Stabilize the entire top by staking down the hoop assembly with guy wires or with wood braces at the ends of the bed. Screws inserted through the sides of the garden bed frames into the PVC pipe ends will keep them from working their way out.
Clear plastic during the winter time will keep beds warmer during the cool weather period. If freezing is a risk on cold nights, drape a quilt or sheet over the frames until the sun comes up the next day. If it becomes too hot inside the beds, cut slits through the plastic to let the hot air out. Since the plastic will probably not last more than one season, this is not too much of a loss.
Summer heat and high sunlight intensities can be minimized by spreading shade cloth over the hoops during the summer months. It will keep the garden plants a little cooler and protect tender fruit from sunburning.
By modifying the climate just slightly during the growing season, it is possible to have tomatoes year round and improve the quality of most other plants in season.
For those who are ready to get started in square foot gardening, search the bookstores or the library for a copy of Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew and let him give you the benefit of his experience
If you have questions, you can reach one of the Master Gardeners at the Cooperative Extension office, 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Building C, in Casa Grande. The telephone is (520) 836-5221, extension 204. The author’s email address is gibsonrd@ag.arizona.edu.
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.
Rick Gibson
Extension Agent, Agriculture
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Building C
Casa Grande, Arizona 85122
Voice: (520) 836-5221
Fax: (520) 836-1750
email: gibsonrd@ag.arizona.edu
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