Things You'll Need:
- Shovel
- Tiller
- Rake
- Weed barrier
- (4) 4 foot timbers
- Nails or tacks
- Compost
- String
- Seeds
- Labels
- Trellis
- Hand shovel and trowel
-
Step 1
Clear the area you want to garden. Start small with just two or three four foot sections. Get up all the grass using the shovel.
-
Step 2
Till the area to break up all the dirt and roots.
-
Step 3
Rake through the garden to ensure the dirt is smooth and rock free.
-
Step 4
Lay out the weed barrier so that a 4 foot square area is inside it. Tack it down with stakes.
-
Step 5
Put the timbers on the barrier so that you form a wood box approximately 4 feet by 4 feet. Set the timbers with rebar so that they won’t move.
-
Step 6
Fill the square with compost material. Use the rake to smooth it out even with the timbers.
-
Step 7
Nail down the string at one foot intervals. You will have 16 squares when you are done. Your square foot garden is ready for service.
-
Step 1
Plan out your garden. Think about what you really want to grow. Keep in mind that square foot gardens tend to produce more than traditional gardens.
-
Step 2
Follow the directions on the seed packet. This means that some squares will only get one seed (tomatoes) and some can get lots more (carrots or radishes).
-
Step 3
Store left over seeds in the original packet in an air tight container for up to two years in the refrigerator.
-
Step 4
Weed your garden weekly. Because you know exactly what you planted and where you planted it you will be able to get the weeds before they can even develop roots. Weeding will be a snap. You can label each square if you prefer.
-
Step 5
Water you square foot garden on a daily basis (preferably in the morning). Because of the limited size this will only take a few minutes. No more watering for hours on end.
-
Step 6
Use a trellis to train the vine plants (cucumbers, beans, tomatoes). This will keep them from invading the other squares and it will keep the vegetables safe off the ground.
