How to Start a Square Foot Garden: A Step by Step Guide
- Trina Spillman
- May 10, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13, 2019
Square foot gardening is a method that sets plants in a grid pattern rather than in rows with spaces left between. The basic unit is a block, three feet by three feet or four feet
by four feet, that is further divided into one-foot squares. When a square is harvested, new seeds or transplants are planted immediately. This allows for steady production and maximum yield. A square may contain one to sixteen plants, depending on each crop's requirements. If you don't have enough space for a large square foot garden, try this clever alternative.
Instructions for Creating a 12x12x6 Table Top Gourmet Garden:
Cut one 1x6 piece of cedar wood into four sections (each section will be 12 3/4 inches long). Screw the four pieces together to form a box. Staple ground barrier fabric to the bottom of the box. This will allow your garden to properly drain. Keep this in mind when choosing a location for your garden.
Fill your box with potting soil.
Grid your box into four equal squares using string, or yarn. For best results, measure the center of each side of the box and nail a small tack to mark the spot. Wrap string or yarn around each tack. This will create four small squares.
Plant two seeds one inch apart and two inches deep in the middle of each gridded square. The type of seed you plant will depend on the type of garden you have selected. Choose from one of the gourmet gardens listed below.
Some of the gardens will have the same plant planted in two grids. For example, with the pizza garden you will plant two tomato plants and two pepper plants.
Place your garden box in a sunny location on top of a plastic tray. Remember, when you water, the water will drain through the mesh bottom.
If growing outdoors, place your box in a sunny location. When it rains or when you water, the water will drain through the mesh bottom.
The mesh bottom will help prevent root rot from too much water gathering at the bottom of the box.
Harvest plants when they reach maturity.
Some plants, like onions, will need to be replanted after harvest.
To replant, follow the instructions listed in step 4
Types of Gardens
Pizza Garden:
Tomato
Red Bell Pepper
Basil
Oregano
Spaghetti Garden:
Tomato
Red Bell Pepper
Basil
Oregano
Pesto Garden Plants:
Basil x 2
Garlic
Parsley
Salsa Garden:
Jalapeno
Tomato
Cilantro
Onions
Recipes
Pesto
Ingredients
3 cups packed fresh basil leaves
4 cloves garlic
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
Combine basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender.
Blend to a smooth paste.
Add parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 96 | Total Fat: 9.2g | Cholesterol: 4mg
Pesto Pizza
Ingredients
1 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust
1/2 cup pesto
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) canned artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Spread pesto on pizza crust. Top with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 394 | Total Fat: 19.9g | Cholesterol: 36mg
Salsa
Ingredients
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
salt to taste
Directions
Remove the skin of the tomatoes.
In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
Mix well.
Add 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, and taste. If you desire your salsa with more of a kick, add the remaining 1/2 jalapeno. If you are satisfied with the salsa's heat, do not add the remaining jalapeno pepper.
Cover the salsa, and chill until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 53 | Total Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 0mg
Comments