Getty Images / HildaWeges
Asurban gardensbecome more popular,small space gardeningto maximize efficiency is a hot topic.
This approach is not only space-efficient but produces less waste while growing a variety of edible plants.
Learn more about how to use square foot gardening in your backyard.
Getty Images / HildaWeges
What is Square Foot Gardening?
To make the most of the raised beds, consider the size of your plants.
Perennial vegetables like rhubarb or asparagus might not be the best choice as they keep expanding each year.
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
What Size Is Best?
What Kind of Soil Is Best?
Raised beds are a blank slate, so choose a good quality garden soil.
you could also mix amendments into your soil (compost, coffee, grounds, crushed eggshells).
A nutrient-rich, well-draining soil is best to help reduce weeds and allow food crops to flourish.
Be purposeful when choosing the jot down of wood you use for your raised garden bed.
Redwood and cedar are long lasting and rot-resistant.
Which Plants to Choose
you could grow any vegetables you wish if they fit into the squares.
Try more compact varieties with words like “baby” or “dwarf” in the name.
Keep in mind thatcherry tomatoplants produce tinier fruit but can get huge.
Spring onions, shallots, or cipollinis work well.
Pick greens when young and small, and harvest often.
Herbs are also a great choice for the square foot garden and are happy growing side by side.
There are many shade-tolerant vegetables to help you make the most of your space.
Think of the square-foot garden sections as small micro-climates with different water needs.
Some veggies with lower water needs include okra, zucchini, tomatoes, pole beans, and Swiss chard.
Cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, radishes, celery, onions, and carrots need lots of water.
you’re free to also mix different plants together in one bed, using principles ofcompanion planting.
Place plants with similar sun, soil, and water needs together to make caring for them easier.
Spacing is the main consideration; follow instructions and planting guides for the best results.
Consider the recommended seed spacing and the height and spread of your plants.
Plant cucumber and tomatoes in the same square foot garden keeping in mind that they each need their space.
Try not to plant more than two cucumber plants and onetomato plant per square foot.
About 10 to 12 tomato plants can grow in a 16-square-foot garden.
The exact number will depend on the tomato variety and yourstaking techniques.
Raised Bed Gardening.University of Missouri Extension.
