We’ve discussed creating, preparing, and designing your SFG. Planting is the simple part. You can either go with seeds or starts. Those plants that grow faster, have a shorter gowing season, or mature later, can begin wtih seeds. Just follow the directions on the package for best planting time and seed depth. Some plants require a longer time to grow from seed, and those you may want to either start yourself inside, or buy plants. Those might include tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli, onions, cabbage, among others. Below you can see the grid I prepared to plan my garden. I did wind up changing a few items, but seeing it on a grid helps you visualize.
- Square Foot Garden Design Sketch
There are many sources onlline where you can print out any size grid graph paper. Then simply draw in your four-foot garden grid, divide into 16 squares, and you’re set to plan!
One more plant suggestion. If you are into organic gardening, as we are, a natural alternative to pesticides is the addition of certain flowers to your garden! One such are marigolds. Dedicate one square per box to one or more marigold plants, for a natural pest deterant!
Once everythig is planted, you will want to water everything in well. This of course gets them well on their way, and sets the seeds in place. One thing we have done in the past, and did not do this year (we are regretting that laziness), is to wrap your garden in chicken-wire fencing. Once your plants are heading towards maturity, you can remove it. You see, there are many animals that simply LOVE young plants, especially bean plants and lettuce. Others just love to dig into soft soil.
Now for the exciting part. Watching it grow! I just love seeing the young plants bursting through the soil, reaching towards the sun.
Getting bigger andd bigger!
Until you have this! This box contains 12 squares of green lake bush beans, great for canning. They are aon the verge of blossoming. We had designed this box to have just nine squares of beans and three squares of brussel sprouts, but could not find any at the right time. At the back you can just see the four squares of tomatoes. Next time, we will discuss those more in depth and talk about trelllissing. See you then!