How to Start a Square Foot Garden: A Step by Step Guide

Square foot gardening is a method that sets plants in a grid pattern rather than in rows with spaces left between. The basic unit is a block, three feet by three feet or four feet by four feet, that is further divided into one-foot squares. When a square is harvested, new seeds or transplants are planted immediately. This allows for steady production and maximum yield. A square may contain one to sixteen plants, depending on each crop's requirements. If you don't have enough space for a large square foot garden, try this clever alternative. Instructions for Creating a 12x12x6 Table Top Gourmet Garden: Cut one 1x6 piece of cedar wood into four sections (each section will be 12 3/4 inches long). Screw the four pieces together to form a box. Staple ground barrier fabric to the bottom of the box. This will allow your garden to properly drain. Keep this in mind when choosing a location for your garden. Fill your box with potting soil. Grid your box into four equal squares using string, or yarn. For best results, measure the center of each side of the box and nail a small tack to mark the spot. Wrap string or yarn around each tack. This will create four small squares. Plant two seeds one inch apart and two inches deep in the middle of each gridded square. The type of seed you plant will depend on the type of garden you have selected. Choose from one of the gourmet gardens listed below. Some of the gardens will have the same plant planted in two grids. For example, with the pizza garden you will plant two tomato plants and two pepper plants. Place your garden box in a sunny location on top of a plastic tray. Remember, when you water, the water will drain through the mesh bottom. If growing outdoors, place your box in a sunny location. When it rains or when you water, the water will drain through the mesh bottom. The mesh bottom will help prevent root rot from too much water gathering at the bottom of the box. Harvest plants when they reach maturity. Some plants, like onions, will need to be replanted after harvest. To replant, follow the instructions listed in step 4 Types of Gardens Pizza Garden: Tomato Red Bell Pepper Basil Oregano Spaghetti Garden: Tomato Red Bell Pepper Basil Oregano Pesto Garden Plants: Basil x 2 Garlic Parsley Salsa Garden: Jalapeno Tomato Cilantro Onions Recipes Pesto Ingredients 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves 4 cloves garlic 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) Directions Combine basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend to a smooth paste. Add parsley if desired. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 96 | Total Fat: 9.2g | Cholesterol: 4mg Pesto Pizza Ingredients 1 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust 1/2 cup pesto 1 ripe tomato, chopped 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 small onion, chopped 1 (4 ounce) canned artichoke hearts, drained and sliced 1 cup crumbled feta cheese Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Spread pesto on pizza crust. Top with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 394 | Total Fat: 19.9g | Cholesterol: 36mg Salsa Ingredients 4 large tomatoes, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 jalapeno pepper, minced salt to taste Directions Remove the skin of the tomatoes. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste. Mix well. Add 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, and taste. If you desire your salsa with more of a kick, add the remaining 1/2 jalapeno. If you are satisfied with the salsa's heat, do not add the remaining jalapeno pepper. Cover the salsa, and chill until ready to serve. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 53 | Total Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 0mg