Square Foot Gardening

Gardening can be a challenge in any situation, and with little ones time in the garden can be scarce. But the joy and adventure can be tremendous. Plus having fresh organic fuit and vegetables can't be beat.

I have been gardening for about 16 years. Some things are easier for me to grow than others, but the best method by far, has been Square Foot gardening. The most yield in the smallest space. I have successfully gardened all year long! Snowpeas, spinach, lettuce, swiss chard in winter...well Northern CA winter teehee I know we're a bit spoiled here with our seasons.

My first one was built using 2x8x6 redwood. Recycled from an old patio. I had 2 of those containers and had a total of 24 square feet. We had such a great yield, we put up gardens in any unused space after that.

The children help choose seeds, plant, pull weeds and best of all...Harvest! They are able to eat anything from the garden. Great way to give them a love for Veges!

***Make sure they know about the poisonous stuff...tomato leaves, asparagus berries etc. and to stay away from those***


Throughout the years we have planted the following:

1. greenbeans
2. tomatillos
3. Cilantro
4. tomatoes
5. peppers
6. carrots
7. onions
8. flowers
9. broccoli
10. zuchini
11. cherry tomatoes
12. pumpkin
13. watermelon
14. cantelope
15. corn
16. strawberries
17. green peas
18. raspberries
19. asparagus
20. potatoes
21. jerusalem artichoke
22. swiss chard
23. blackberries
24. blueberries
25. Spinach
26. Fruit Trees
27. lettuce

Garden Rules

I have finally narrowed down my gardening to a few rules.

1. Plant whatever gives the best yield for the least work...tomatoes, zuchini, swiss chard, greenbeans, green onions
2. Plant something that is expensive to buy over... 1$ lb.
3. Plant something that you won't have to replant

More Bang for the Buck

•  Great choices are Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke.
• Swiss chard, that stuff just keeps growing!
  
• Fruit trees have been my biggest investment, I get the dwarf variety)

Try a Themed Garden

• A salsa garden is nice and practical.
• Child's Garden, the kiddos eat veges without complaining, especially if they grew it themselves. Can't wait to do it again this year.
• Fall Ornamental garden- gourds, mini pumpkins, colored corn etc.
• Salad Garden
• Herbs
• Stew Garden- potatoes, carrots, onions etc. 
• Enchanted Garden- PVC poles tee pee style with green beans growing up.  Sunflowers growing around and other veges in between.
  

Have fun, Enjoy!
Marmie