How to Practice Square Foot Gardening

Square foot garden with a drip system. Leaf lettuce, Swiss chard and carrots are being grown.

Square foot gardening is an easy, minimal work, low weed and chemical-free way to grow plants in a small area. Originally formulated by Mel Bartholemew in 1981 in both a book and PBS TV series, square foot gardening has been popular ever since, for those with small and large gardens alike. Although small in area, this small garden can nourish intensively grown plants, resulting in a very productive little garden.

The square foot garden can also be an excellent way to save water; it doesn't need as much water due to its design and this can be helped by adding a drip system to it. And for ease of access, square foot gardens can be constructed and placed on tables allowing easy access for those who find it difficult to bend or squat lower. This beginner's tutorial sets out the basics of developing your own square foot garden.

Edit Steps1Choose a layout that is easily accessible. The joy of square foot gardening is the easy access to the raised garden beds. The usually recommended measurement is 4 feet by 4 feet, 16 sq ft (120cm x 120cm, 1.5 m2) beds, providing for easy access and good growing space.

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