Square foot gardening means dividing your garden area into square foot blocks of space for planting. Why would you do this? What are the benefits?
Imagine stepping into your small backyard and being greeted by a lush mini-farm, all growing in just a few square feet. Welcome to the world of square foot gardening! This method allows you to grow a variety of plants in a tight space, offering convenience and maximizing every inch of your garden. Ready to dive in and learn how to garden this way?
Good morning, Friends! We had a windy night with a small amount of rain. Everything is wet this morning but it was not enough to register in our rain gauge. We are supposed to get thunderstorms today. The low was 76° overnight and that is not very low.
It started raining again as I went to open the store and I got pretty wet. It did not last long but we are grateful. We need more rain.
This morning, Trump has an appointment to have his stitches removed from the surgery he had on November 6. He is acting perfectly normal, jumping around, playing footie with me every chance he gets. I am the only one he does that with. As soon as he sees me in the morning, he starts it up. He is so cute.
I have tons of large orders to get out after our weekend birthday sale so that will keep me very busy for most of the week.
Right now, as an added enticement for purchasing seeds, when you spend $12 on seeds, you will get 12% off, both online and in our Farm Store. We will be having a Black Friday special sale starting on Thanksgiving night but we have not set that up yet.
Don't forget that you can order seeds and other things online and you can come pick them up and avoid shipping charges. Put your order in and it should be ready by the next day. Most days, it is ready on the same day. I still have two orders for pickup in the store from six months ago. I have sent quite a few emails but neither customer has responded...if it is you, come get your order. I am tired of looking at them.
We left the farm at 9:15am with Trump. He had to get his stitches out at the vet's office. Then we had to go to the UPS store with three packages of seeds. Sometimes, the Amazon orders come out to go by UPS. That is not our choice. The UPS man never came here this past Friday and we all know they don't deliver on Saturday.
It is pay day so we went by the bank. Then we went to a print shop in Pleasanton to pick up some new business cards that we ordered. Normally, we order our cards through VistaPrint but this time, David wanted to try them. They look nice but they did not listen to me and leave our logo with a white background. It is okay. David likes them.
We had one customer come into the store to buy bluebonnet seeds today. For the rest of the day, I mailed out orders. I have many more to send out from our weekend sale. Matt took one for delivery this evening and I have three more that are pick up orders. I will get those ready in the morning. It was quite a sale and not being there for a few hours this morning did not help.
A package was delivered from UPS in a wooden crate this afternoon. Matt fought with it for a while, cut himself in three places, and finally opened the crate and got the contents out. What do you think it is?
First off, why square foot gardening? It’s perfect for those with limited space or time because it allows you to grow many plants without needing a lot of land. It also saves you from endless weeding and helps you produce plenty of fresh produce right at home.
Getting started with square foot gardening is easier than you might think. You can begin by choosing the right spot. Typically, you’ll want a sunny location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Sunlight is crucial because it helps your plants grow strong and healthy.
Now, let’s get a bit more technical about space. Each square foot is like a mini-plot, where you plan and select different types of plants to grow. The structure usually involves a raised garden bed divided into small square sections, each a square foot in size.
One of the great things about this method is that it's quite adaptable. Whether it's a balcony, patio, or even a small backyard, square foot gardening can fit into your lifestyle. You just need to pick the right spot for your garden box.
Good morning. It is currently 45° at 6:40am. I nearly froze when I stepped outside with Ethel. The other dogs are so hyper after being out in the cold to go potty!
I have been changing the discount we have right now based on David's new idea. It is for seeds only. In order to save 12%, you must buy three seed items--either three packs of seeds or seed sets or a combination but all must be seeds and you have to purchase three packs.
Now I need to set up our Black Friday discounts.
I spent most of the day sending orders out. Michelle came to clean. Angelica pulled most of the orders for me so that helped a lot. From the sale this past weekend, there were three orders for pickup. Two customers came and picked up their orders today and the third one emailed that she would pick hers up on Saturday. Of course, I still have the other two from five months ago...
I added water to the pond today as it was getting low again.
This afternoon, I noticed something reddish sticking up out of the ground in one of the raised beds. I went over and found French Breakfast Radishes that are huge. I pulled one up, took it inside, washed it and sliced off a very thin piece. I tried it thinking it would be mild for a breakfast food. Hahaha. Now it wasn't half as hot as the White Icicle Radish but it was definitely spicy! I have always wanted to try them. A lot of folks order the seeds from us.
We had talked about making Norton's own pen. If you need a refresher, Norton is our baby boy Nigerian Dwarf goat born in early May. Well, now he is all grown up and pushing aside our two females any time there is food. He hogs it all for himself. So I asked David today when that would be done. He said he took care of it yesterday. Matt put the goats away last night and he fed them this morning so I had not gone out.
At 5pm, I rushed out and, sure enough, Norton was separated from the girls. I was able to feed them this evening without him taking their food. Then I fed him in his own place. I don't think he was too happy about it. Also, his father had to be a different kind of goat because Norton has beautiful hair, curly and thick, not like the Nigerian Dwarf goats. The previous owners of the two girls we bought from them did not bother to tell us that...
Forty-nine years ago today, my family left New York State for Texas. My father was transferred with IBM. We ended up in El Paso from Poughkeepsie, New York. I was in the middle of my junior year of high school and I was in total culture shock for a very long time. None of my classes transferred because the new school did not offer any of the things I was enrolled in. I had zero friends and zero family other than my parents and younger siblings and they were also shocked by how different life was in Texas.
Now, life is very different than during those first years of being in Texas. I am happy to have all of the rights here in Texas that I would not have in New York. The cost of living is much lower and there is good Mexican food! I have learned to like living here except for the wicked awful heat we endure each summer. Today, the high will be 72° and the low will touch the 30s....I guess fall is finally here for a few days.
This morning, I have a dental appointment. Hopefully, I will live. I just hate going to the dentist.
It is time for me to get dressed and ready to face this day.
My dental appointment was at 10am. I got the filling and then went grocery shopping. I got home at 12:30pm and my mouth was still very numb, especially the bottom lip. I went out to do orders after putting groceries away. At 2:30pm, I was still numb but some of it was gone so I drank some tea, almost making a mess. Finally, at 3pm, I got to eat a sandwich.
Matt pulled the entire bed of French Breakfast radishes before tonight's cold weather moves in. If you want some, come by the store tomorrow, Friday, or Saturday. They will be $1.99 a pound.
Matt has been working on putting the thing that came in the crate together. The instructions aren't all that great...Looking up YouTube videos now.
You might be wondering about when to plant your square foot garden. Timing is key! Depending on the plant types, you can start as soon as the danger of frost has passed in your area. A quick search on your local planting calendar can guide you here.
Transitioning to what types of plants to use, think about your meals and what you love to eat. This method allows you to grow a variety of herbs, vegetables, or even flowers. Imagine fresh herbs like basil or parsley just steps away from your kitchen!
For those veggies, you can grow anything from carrots and radishes to leafy greens like spinach or kale. The list is endless, really; the trick is to choose plants that grow vertically or have shallow roots, so they fit snugly into each square foot.
Let’s talk about how to garden within your square foot setup. Start by designing your garden layout. You can visualize each one-foot square as its own little piece of land. Sketch it out or use online tools to plan what goes where.
When planting, follow the instructions specific to each plant variety, as each has unique needs regarding water, sunlight, and spacing. It's helpful to keep a gardening journal, noting what works best for each plant you try out.
Adding to the variety of choices in your garden, think about including companion plants. These are plants that grow well together and can even help keep certain pests at bay. For instance, plant garlic near your tomatoes for a natural pest deterrent.
Speaking of soil, let's not forget about what type of soil works best. You'll want a rich, loose soil that's high in nutrients. Many gardeners prefer to use a mix, often called the "Mel's Mix," which includes one-third peat moss, one-third vermiculite, and one-third blended compost.
Good soil ensures that your plants have the best start possible. The composition provides essential nutrients and proper drainage, which is vital for healthy growth. Not too dense and not too light—it's just the right balance.
Good morning. It was 38° Fahrenheit when I got up 45 minutes ago. It is now 42° at 7:15am. We are living near the frozen tundras, folks. I had to go out with Ethel and it was so cold! Sometime this morning, I have to go out on the other side of the backyard and search for Trump's collar. He and Sue Ellen love to pull each other's collars off. At 9:30pm, he came in without it again. Last time, they managed to toss it through the fence so I found it out in the driveway.
I am all caught up with the orders again. Today I will concentrate on social media. I haven't had time for that in a while.
We've had three sets of visitors today which was nice. It warmed up to 73°. I went out and picked some grape tomatoes. They are so firm and sweet. There are a lot of large, slicing tomatoes on the vines but they are still green. There are also many roma tomatoes, some of which are beginning to turn a yellowish-orange. Hopefully, soon, we will have some ripened tomatoes for sale.
After work, I took Trump on a walk. I had a hard time getting him to sit still for a photo. He is just so cute! He looks tiny but he is big. At six months, he is already the size of Pamela and Sue Ellen but he is still growing.
When talking about seed selection, you want to pick the best quality you can afford. Local seed exchanges or a well-reputed garden center can be great places for sourcing seeds. This way, you get options that suit your climate and soil type perfectly.
The seeds we recommend are from David's Garden Seeds®. We've been in business now for over 15 years and we are in Texas! Try our seeds and you will be glad you did. They have a fantastic rate of germination, provided you follow David's planting instructions.
If you're shopping online for seeds, many websites rate their offerings for germination success and plant yields. Take advantage of reviews or community forums where seasoned gardeners share their insights and recommendation.
Timing once more comes into focus when selecting the right time of year to plant each crop. Cool-season plants like lettuce or carrots can be started early in the spring, whereas warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers thrive in warmer months.
As you consider the timing aspect, pay attention to frost dates, as they will inform you when to have your soil prepared and your seeds or seedlings started. Keep a calendar or planner handy to remind you of these important dates.
Another tip on timing: employ succession planting. This means replacing harvested or finished plants with new plantings throughout the season to keep your garden productive and provide continuous fresh produce.
You might also wonder about maintaining your square foot garden. Once everything's planted, regular watering and monitoring is vital. The small size of each square keeps maintenance manageable, making it easy to spot any issues early.
Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds around your plants. Mulch acts as a protective layer, maintaining soil temperature and reducing evaporation, so your plants grow better with less frequent watering.
Then, there’s pest control. Since this method is organized into small sections, identifying and addressing pests becomes much easier compared to traditional row gardening. There are plenty of natural pest-control options available, such as organic sprays or companion planting.
Speaking of which, companion planting is not just about pest control. It can also enhance plant growth. For example, planting marigolds can help deter nematodes, which are harmful for many vegetables.
Nutrient levels in soil naturally deplete over time as plants grow and are harvested. Incorporating compost or organic fertilizers can help replenish these nutrients, ensuring continued plant health and productivity.
Hello, folks! It is almost 2pm and I have been busy all day long cleaning up my craft room so David can start using our dehydrators in there. There is no room in the kitchen for them. We always have plenty of produce ready from the garden so we will use it to preserve food..
I just filled a few orders and the mailman came. There was no mail for us today. We have had one customer today.
Ethel is sick and is not eating much. She is now 15 years old so I don't think she will be with us for much longer. The cat is also 15 but she does not act like she feels sick.
I cannot believe that next week is already Thanksgiving. I believe we will close the store for the entire four days. We have been open other years and absolutely no one has ever come to our Farm Store over the Thanksgiving holiday, either here or in San Antonio. I would love to have four luxurious days off from work. Hopefully, we can do that.
We will be running a Black Friday sale from 3pm on Thanksgiving afternoon through midnight on Friday, November 29th at midnight, Central Standard Time. Every time we have a sale that ends at midnight, CST, the next day we get a bunch of messages from people who try to order at 2am wanting the sale price. David always gives it to them, even though I put Central Standard Time or Central Daylight Savings Time, depending on the time of year.
Matt finally finished planting up on the hill for the bees and he helped me move a bunch of stuff out of the craft room and into the seed shacks. More to come on all of this. Back to planning for next week's big Black Friday sale.
Keep an eye on the weather, especially unexpected frost or heat waves, which can affect your plants. Adjustable row covers or shade cloths can protect your plants from extreme temperatures.
Suppose you live in an apartment with a balcony or have a tiny backyard. Are you still on board with square foot gardening? Absolutely! You can build raised beds to fit the available space, making this method flexible for small-scale living.
Now, let’s focus a bit on personalizing your gardening space. Use colorful or attractive trellises for climbing plants, which not only support growth but also add aesthetic appeal to your garden area.
Ever thought about garden pests that have wings? A simple, well-designed net can protect your fruits and vegetables from birds and small critters who may fancy your produce as a midday snack.
Focusing on aesthetics, adding pavers or stepping stones around your garden can provide easy access without compacting the soil in your beds. It's practical and adds charm to your garden as well.
Sometimes, adding a little personal flair in terms of gardening decorations, like small statues or fun garden signs, can make the gardening experience more enjoyable and reflect your personality.
Let’s take a moment to consider the edge decorations of your garden. Edging your beds with flowers or herbs serves multiple purposes—it beautifies, maximizes space usage, and can even ward off pests.
Now imagine, waking up, grabbing your coffee or tea, and strolling through your cleverly planned square foot garden. It's a great way to start the day, noticing the small changes as your plants grow.
It might surprise you how much produce you can yield from just a few square feet. While it may not feed a family of four all year round, it certainly can supplement and enrich your regular meals.
Your square foot garden is not only functional but can be educational as well. It's a hands-on opportunity to learn more about plants, biology, and sustainable practices—all right at your doorstep.
Good morning! It is 45° at 6:30am. Our store will be open from 10am until 2pm today. If you are in the area and you need some holiday gifts, we have one air fryer left, two Yellowstone hot/cold drink cups, six flavors of Texas pecan coffee available in both ground and whole bean, luffas from our garden, pine cones for crafting, two David's Garden Seeds trucker's caps left, Texas rice in both jasmine and long grain with no chemicals, gourmet pecan treats with and without chocolate, snap clamps, garden trays in various sizes, CowPots, aloe vera plants, snake plants aka Mother-In-Law's Tongue plants, red bluebonnet plants
that come in six packs for $19.99, and more than 1,000 varieties of heirloom seeds. We are a serious gardener's paradise. Come by and you will be impressed.
So we got the dehydrators all set up and ready to start dehydrating. My dream for the past four years has been to get a freeze dryer. All of the customers who have one come into the store saying how great they are. I watch homesteaders and business owners on YouTube using them. They are expensive! But I think Santa might just bring me one this year...We will see.
Our Thanksgiving week sales are all set up now and newsletters are all set to go out. If you have not yet subscribed to the newsletter from David's Garden Seeds, I would suggest subscribing now so you get all sale information as it happens! Page all the way down to the bottom and you will see a place to put your email in. Click subscribe and you will get an email asking if you want to subscribe to the newsletter. Respond with a yes and you are all set!
Well, the Farm Store is now closed. We had a few visitors. Matt was in today to work. He harvested more radishes, corn, and sweet potatoes. He also did other chores. He left just before 2pm.
David is dehydrating some of the radishes. If we ever get the freeze dryer, preserving food will be so much easier!
Well, it's time to get some chores done around here. Of course, I ended up doing some laundry and clean up.
I went out to put the animals away for the evening. When I got to the goat pen, the girls were not there. Then I looked over at Norton and to my shock, the girls were in there with him. How?
At first, I thought they jumped over the fence but they are both pregnant and I threw that idea out. Then I noticed a small breach on the side of the fencing. The metal tie that holds two adjoining sides was gone. I still don't see how they squeezed through but they must have.
I grabbed the treat cup and began feeding Norton through the fencing. He wouldn't let the girls have any treats. I had his attention for sure. I slowly opened the gate and called to Trixie. She came over and ran out the gate. Alice, for some reason, did not want to leave. After some coaxing, while Norton was chowing down from the treat cup, Alice finally came out and I closed the gate. I got the girls put away in their little shelter for the night.
Matt came about 30 minutes later and we both went out and closed the fence gap.
Engage your kids! If you have little ones, show them when and what time of year to plant. This practical knowledge can spark curiosity and a lifelong interest in knowing how to garden effectively.
Square foot gardening isn't just a trend; it's quite a practical solution worth considering for those who want to grow their own food but lack space, time, or resources for traditional gardens.
Making mistakes is part of the process. Think of them as learning opportunities. Maybe a few plants didn’t make it. Review what happened, adjust and try again. Gardening is a journey, not just a destination.
As you gain experience, consider teaching others in your community. Maybe organize a gardening club or a small workshop where you can share what you’ve learned with friends or newcomers.
Talk to your neighbors who also garden. Exchanging tips, plant varieties, or even engaging in a little friendly competition can prompt collective growth and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Don't underestimate the power of community engagement, either. A community square foot garden can foster friendships, encourage sharing resources, and create an inviting place for neighbors to meet.
Review your successes at the end of every growing season. Maybe tomatoes performed better in the sunniest spot, while leafy greens thrived with a bit of shade. Use this knowledge for future planning.
Documenting these experiences with pictures and notes can also provide inspiration and motivation, particularly when looking back over a winter season while planning next year's spring garden.
Gardens evolve over time, much like a painter’s canvas. Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Experiment with new varieties, colors, or arrangements as each planting season rolls around.
Good Sunday morning. I have been up for quite a while but it is now light and we are having an awesome fog event here on the farm. It looks so cool! The temperature started out at 54° at 5:30am.
I made pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Now it is almost 8am and time for me to go out and feed everyone. It should be 83° today. The fog has now burned off for the most part and here comes the sun.
I went out and took care of everyone. Then I got ready and we went to church. After that, we went to Walmart for some groceries and then we gassed up the truck. I have been cleaning this afternoon. I was hoping to put up the tree but I had to do other things.
Summer is back. It's 84° out there--so hot that I am now sweating. No sense in changing yet because I have to go back out, feed the fish, and take care of the animals again including collecting eggs.
Trixie, one of my Nigerian Dwarf goats, is pretty huge. I bet she delivers sometime this week. She looks to be about as big as Alice was back in early May when she delivered Norton. Alice is big, but I think she probably has another month or so to go. We will see.
In conclusion, square foot gardening offers a simple, efficient, and rewarding way to grow an array of plants, all while making the most of limited spaces. It’s an adventure waiting to be had.
The beauty of it lies in both its simplicity and potential complexity. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you can create a verdant space that provides food and joy throughout the seasons.
Sharing these experiences with family or friends might also encourage them to start their own gardens. Remember, sometimes the most productive change in consumption patterns begins at home.
Ready to dig in and start your square foot gardening journey? Gather some supplies, get those seeds, and by all means, start dreaming up your perfect garden vision. It begins with just one square foot!
Picture the veggie salads or stir-fry dishes fresh from your own garden. It's satisfying knowing where your food comes from and knowing you've played a part in nurturing it.
The commitment to your garden doesn't have to feel like a chore. Consider it an investment in your well-being and the chance to connect more closely with the food on your plate.
Plus, there’s something quite gratifying about the crunch of a fresh-picked cucumber or the succulent taste of a home-grown cherry tomato. Garden to table is an experience that can't be beat!
In terms of other benefits, gardening offers low-impact physical exercise and it's a fantastic stress reliever where you unplug from technology and spend some quality time with nature.
The entire process is a cycle of learning, growing, and harvesting—teaching patience and respect for natural cycles. Through this practice, you reconnect with the fundamental processes of life.
You don't need to have a green thumb to succeed with square foot gardening. It's a forgiving method that offers much-needed guidance and structure, perfect for anyone’s start on how to garden.
Every square foot can be a testament to your creativity and dedication. Seeing how plants respond to your care is a constant source of amazement and joy, rewarding your efforts many times over.
So, put on those gardening gloves, embrace the joy of outdoor work, and begin a rewarding adventure with square foot gardening. You’re well on your way to becoming a seasoned gardener!
Over time, the simple practice of maintaining your garden becomes a part of your daily rhythm, one that offers reliability and satisfaction amid the everyday hustle and bustle.
Best of all, as you cultivate this little patch of your world, you’re also growing a lifestyle full of health, flavor, and sustainability. That’s the true harvest of square foot gardening.
Return from Square Foot Gardening to Our Sixth Year
Since 2009, over 1,500,000 home gardeners, all across the USA, have relied on David's Garden Seeds® to grow beautiful gardens. Trust is at the heart of it. Our customers know David's Garden Seeds® stocks only the highest quality seeds available. Our mission is to become your lifetime supplier of quality seeds. It isn't just to serve you once; we want to earn your trust as your primary supplier.
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Peppers and peas
And lots of yummy greens
You can't go wrong
With Squash This Long
At David's Garden Seeds
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Please like and subscribe on YouTube and come visit us at our Farm Store! The music on our TV ad was written, played, and sung by our son, Matthew Schulze. You can meet him when you come to the farm. He just might give you a tour. Ask him to grab a guitar and sing our jingle that he wrote.
We are David's Garden Seeds®. If you need great seeds, we've got over 1,000 varieties to choose from.
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Find out what is going on down on the farm by reading our blog and by subscribing to our free newsletter for all of the information going down at David's Garden Seeds® and on the farm. I love to share helpful information with you. Please let your friends know and y'all come on down for a visit when you get the chance. We would love to meet you!