Gardening techniques differ between large and small areas. You may have put off planting your home garden due to the idea that it takes up a lot of space. Perhaps you feel unable to manage a thriving garden. With so many gardening styles out there, square foot gardening may be best for your household. Let’s explore the idea along with others and look at the best ways to do it.
Many of us learned how to garden from our parents’ or grandparents’ gardens. It’s fun watching a person or heavy machine dig up the space and work the soil in preparation for planting. There are many soil preparations available at Maricopa stores to prepare containers or spaces for planting.
How big of a salad do you want? Consider if your production expectations will satisfy your appetite. Thinking small-scale, your salad garden may grow tomatoes, green peppers, onions or carrots. Once soil prep is done, planting the seeds and watching the tiny plants break the soil surface is very satisfying. The first cherry tomatoes or strawberries off the plant often don’t reach the kitchen.
Choices loom — container or bed? Raised or inground? Should I use the square foot method?
The first consideration is whether you are the homeowner or a renter. The location of your garden will depend on how much you can alter the property. The square foot method uses a raised bed divided into 1-by-1-foot sections. Many purchased beds are 4 square feet or larger. Marking the 1-square-foot sections is easy using paint or string. Then, use the areas for companion planting or plant a single variety in each section. You now have a compact garden in one raised bed.
Take time to research your plants’ spatial and growing time needs. Many of these specs are listed on the seed packet or online. Not all plants are suitable for 1 square foot. Consider plants that require space for vines: watermelons, cantaloupe or pumpkin. You may opt to use a tomato cage and train the vines upward or purchase miniature or bush-type varieties.
You may be the closet florist who loves to have fresh flowers. Square foot gardening is ideal for raising a variety of flowering plants. This area will create a pollinator haven that helps your vegetables and fruits thrive. Research to your heart’s desire and look for varieties that have similar requirements. It will make taking care of your plants easier.
Harriet Phelps is a Pinal County Master Gardener.
