Square foot gardening: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Method of divided garden beds}} |
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{{more footnotes|date=June 2012}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} |
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{{More citations needed|find=square foot gardening |date=December 2023 |talk=No real sources}} |
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[[File:Square-foot-garden.JPG|thumb|Square foot garden in raised bed]] |
[[File:Square-foot-garden.JPG|thumb|Square foot garden in raised bed]] |
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'''Square foot gardening''' is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections |
'''Square foot gardening''' is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections. The aim is to assist the planning and creating of a [[Gardening in restricted spaces|small]] but intensively planted [[vegetable garden]]. It results in a simple and orderly gardening system, from which it draws much of its appeal. [[Mel Bartholomew]] coined the term "square foot gardening" in his 1981 book of the same name. |
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== Description == |
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[[File:SquareFootGardening.gif|thumb|A basic, 4x4, 16-unit "square-foot garden."]] |
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| ⚫ | The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in a 1981 [[Rodale |
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| ⚫ | To encourage a variety of different crops in succession, and to discourage pests, each square is used for a different kind of plant ([[crop rotation]]) within the growing season. The number of plants per square depends on an individual plant's size. For example, a single |
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[[File:Square-foot-gardening.jpg|thumb|Diagram of a 4'x4' layout showing various planting densities per square foot]] |
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| ⚫ | One advantage of densely planted crops is that they can form a |
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[[File:Jardin en carrés.jpg|thumb|Strings are just a guide for plant spacing]] |
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[[File:Confinement 2020 - un des carrés de jardin.jpg|thumb|Wood dividers]] |
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| ⚫ | The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by [[Mel Bartholomew]] in a 1981 [[Rodale, Inc.]] book<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bartholomew|first=Mel|title=Square Foot Gardening|publisher=Rodale|year=1981|isbn=9780878573417|location=|pages=}}</ref> and subsequent [[PBS]] television series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History |url=https://squarefootgardening.org/about-us/history/ |access-date=2021-02-15 |website=Square Foot Gardening Foundation}}</ref> Bartholomew, a retired engineer, devised the system. |
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The square foot gardening method recommends using an open-bottom raised bed, {{convert|4|x|4|ft}} square. The square beds are then divided into a grid of sixteen one-foot squares. Each square is planted with a different crop, and based on the plant's mature size either 1, 4, 9 or 16 plants are placed per square. Although beds can be longer than four feet, it is recommended for the width of the bed to be no more than four feet because an adult arm can usually reach 2 feet—the distance from the edge to the center of the bed. |
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| ⚫ | Since the beds are typically small, making covers or cages to protect plants from pests, cold, wind or too much sun is more practical than with larger gardens. To extend the growing season of a square foot garden, a cold |
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| ⚫ | Once a "square foot" is harvested, a different crop can be planted. To encourage a variety of different crops in [[Succession planting|succession]], and to discourage pests, each square is used for a different kind of plant ([[crop rotation]]) within the growing season. The number of plants per square depends on an individual plant's size. For example, a single tomato plant takes a full square, as might large herbs such as [[oregano]] or [[basil]], while [[lettuce]] plants would be planted 4 per square, and up to 16 per square of plants such as [[radish]] or [[carrot]]s. Tall-growing crops are planted or [[Trellised (vine)|trellised]] on the north side of the bed (in the Northern Hemisphere) to avoid shading shorter plants. |
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In 2006 Bartholemew updated the concept with the book "All New Square Foot Gardening", which advocates using “Mel’s Mix” created by Bartholomew. After much experimentation, Bartholomew concluded that his formulation of 1/3 [[peat moss]] or coconut [[coir]], 1/3 [[vermiculite]] and 1/3 blended [[compost]] yielded superior results in only a {{convert|6|inch|cm}} depth. The benefits of the mix included keeping soil [[friable]] and virtually weed free with all the necessary nutrients. This mix eliminated the need for artificial fertilizer as compost is added each time you re-plant a square which provides enough nutrients naturally. |
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| ⚫ | One advantage of densely planted crops is that they can form a [[living mulch]] and can also prevent [[weed]]s from establishing or even germinating. A variety of crops in a small space also prevents plant diseases from spreading easily.<ref>{{cite journal|title = Biodiversity loss affects global disease ecology|first1 = Montira J.|last1 = Pongsiri|first2 = Joe|last2 = Roman|author-link2 = Joe Roman|first3 = Vanessa O.|last3 = Ezenwa|first4 = Tony L.|last4 = Goldberg|first5 = Hillel S.|last5 = Koren|first6 = Stephen C.|last6 = Newbold|first7 = Richard S.|last7 = Ostfeld|first8 = Subhrendu K.|last8 = Pattanayak|first9 = Daniel J.|last9 = Salkeld|journal = [[BioScience]]|year = 2009|volume = 59|issue = 11|pages = 945–954|doi = 10.1525/bio.2009.59.11.6|doi-access = free|url = https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-pdf/59/11/945/696758/59-11-945.pdf}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Since the beds are typically small, making covers or cages to protect plants from pests, cold, wind or too much sun is more practical than with larger gardens. To extend the growing season of a square foot garden, a [[cold frame]] may be built around it, and by facing the frame towards the equator, the square foot garden captures more light and heat during colder months of the year. |
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No specific soil is required although it is recommended to add [[compost]] to garden soil. In 2006, Bartholemew began advocating the use of "Mel's Mix", which he described as 1/3 [[peat moss]] or coconut [[coir]], 1/3 [[vermiculite]], and 1/3 compost which he claimed yields good results even at only {{convert|6|inch|cm}} depth. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Organic gardening]] |
* [[Organic gardening]] |
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* [[Raised bed gardening]] |
* [[Raised bed gardening]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
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* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kvy1DZ6wjIkC&q=all+new+square+foot+gardening | title= |
* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kvy1DZ6wjIkC&q=all+new+square+foot+gardening | title=All New Square Foot Gardening | publisher=Cool Springs Press | edition=2nd | year=2013 |last=Bartholomew |first=Mel |author-link=Mel Bartholomew | isbn=978-1591865483 |ol=27153546M}} |
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* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id= |
* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KBdptpIKxJ0C&q=Cubed+foot+gardening+:+growing+vegetables+in+raised+intensive+beds | title=Cubed Foot Gardening: Growing Vegetables in Raised, Intensive Beds | publisher=Lyons Press | year=2001 |last=Bird |first=Christopher| isbn=9781585743124 |ol=8818549M}} |
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* {{ |
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.wilsongardenpots.com/a/square-foot-gardening |title=Square Foot Gardening Planting Guide for Beginners |website=Wilson Garden Co., Ltd}} |
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* {{Cite web |url=https://myhomemyglobe.com/how-to-build-a-square-foot-garden/ |title=How To Build A Square Foot Garden! A Step By Step Guide |website=myhomemyglobe|date=16 October 2019 }} |
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* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V2xjXvDTr1QC&q=One+magic+square+:+the+easy,+organic+way+to+grow+your+own+food+on+a+3-foot+square | title=''One Magic Square: The Easy, Organic Way to Grow Your Own Food on a 3-Foot Square'' | publisher=Experiment | year=2010 | access-date=May 31, 2012 | author=Houbein, Lolo| isbn=9781615191130 }} {{ISBN|9781615190126}} |
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* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uGrflpdFD-kC&q=Gardening+in+small+spaces | title=''Gardening in Small Spaces'' | publisher=The Taunton Press, Inc. | year=2005 | access-date=May 31, 2012 | author=(Fine Gardening)| isbn=9781561585809 }} |
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* {{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5XgO3sHU2XUC&q=Square+Foot+Gardening&pg=PT170 | title=''The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegetable Gardening'' | publisher=Alpha | year=2009 | access-date=May 31, 2012 |author1=Bowman, Daria Price |author2=Price, C A | isbn=9781101022139 }} {{ISBN|9781592579075}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons}} |
{{commons}} |
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* [http://www.squarefootgardening.org/ Square Foot Gardening Foundation] |
* [http://www.squarefootgardening.org/ Square Foot Gardening Foundation] |
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* [https://www.gardenersmag.com/uses-of-vinegar-in-the-garden/ Vinegar in Garden] |
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* [https://myhomemyglobe.com/how-to-build-a-square-foot-garden/ Step By Step Square Foot Gardening] |
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{{Horticulture and gardening}} |
{{Horticulture and gardening}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Books about gardening]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Gardening television]] |
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[[Category:Horticulture and gardening television]] |
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[[Category:Organic gardening]] |
[[Category:Organic gardening]] |
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Latest revision as of 07:19, 27 November 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2023) |
Square foot gardening is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections. The aim is to assist the planning and creating of a small but intensively planted vegetable garden. It results in a simple and orderly gardening system, from which it draws much of its appeal. Mel Bartholomew coined the term "square foot gardening" in his 1981 book of the same name.
Description
[edit]
The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in a 1981 Rodale, Inc. book[1] and subsequent PBS television series.[2] Bartholomew, a retired engineer, devised the system.
The square foot gardening method recommends using an open-bottom raised bed, 4 by 4 feet (1.2 m × 1.2 m) square. The square beds are then divided into a grid of sixteen one-foot squares. Each square is planted with a different crop, and based on the plant's mature size either 1, 4, 9 or 16 plants are placed per square. Although beds can be longer than four feet, it is recommended for the width of the bed to be no more than four feet because an adult arm can usually reach 2 feet—the distance from the edge to the center of the bed.
Once a "square foot" is harvested, a different crop can be planted. To encourage a variety of different crops in succession, and to discourage pests, each square is used for a different kind of plant (crop rotation) within the growing season. The number of plants per square depends on an individual plant's size. For example, a single tomato plant takes a full square, as might large herbs such as oregano or basil, while lettuce plants would be planted 4 per square, and up to 16 per square of plants such as radish or carrots. Tall-growing crops are planted or trellised on the north side of the bed (in the Northern Hemisphere) to avoid shading shorter plants.
One advantage of densely planted crops is that they can form a living mulch and can also prevent weeds from establishing or even germinating. A variety of crops in a small space also prevents plant diseases from spreading easily.[3]
Since the beds are typically small, making covers or cages to protect plants from pests, cold, wind or too much sun is more practical than with larger gardens. To extend the growing season of a square foot garden, a cold frame may be built around it, and by facing the frame towards the equator, the square foot garden captures more light and heat during colder months of the year.
No specific soil is required although it is recommended to add compost to garden soil. In 2006, Bartholemew began advocating the use of "Mel's Mix", which he described as 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 compost which he claimed yields good results even at only 6 inches (15 cm) depth.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Bartholomew, Mel (1981). Square Foot Gardening. Rodale. ISBN 9780878573417.
- ^ "History". Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ Pongsiri, Montira J.; Roman, Joe; Ezenwa, Vanessa O.; Goldberg, Tony L.; Koren, Hillel S.; Newbold, Stephen C.; Ostfeld, Richard S.; Pattanayak, Subhrendu K.; Salkeld, Daniel J. (2009). "Biodiversity loss affects global disease ecology" (PDF). BioScience. 59 (11): 945–954. doi:10.1525/bio.2009.59.11.6.
Further reading
[edit]- Bartholomew, Mel (2013). All New Square Foot Gardening (2nd ed.). Cool Springs Press. ISBN 978-1591865483. OL 27153546M.
- Bird, Christopher (2001). Cubed Foot Gardening: Growing Vegetables in Raised, Intensive Beds. Lyons Press. ISBN 9781585743124. OL 8818549M.
- "Square Foot Gardening Planting Guide for Beginners". Wilson Garden Co., Ltd.
- "How To Build A Square Foot Garden! A Step By Step Guide". myhomemyglobe. 16 October 2019.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Square foot gardening.
