How to Grow a Garden

A recent visitor left a comment mentioning raised garden bed, or square foot gardening.  I had to chuckle a bit because as luck would have it, I have actually built such a garden earlier this month and am trying it out for the very first time!  I am starting small and decided to build only two 4′x4′ boxes for my starter square foot garden. I do have some tips if you decide to try this method, however.

1. If you own a power drill, great. If you don’t and cannot afford to buy one, borrow one.  You’ll thank me later.
2. Wood is usually cheaper in longer lengths, for instance, 16 feet.  I was able to get 16′ of pine for less than $10 before tax, and the home improvement store I bought it at, cut it for me for free.
3. Finding some of the supplies can be tricky, particularly the peat moss and vermiculite. Look for vermiculite at feed & tack stores if you can’t find it at your local garden center.
4. It is hard work putting the boxes together, and filling them.  My back did not like me much after that.
5. Mixing the “Mel’s Mix” ingredients by hand is fun.  Seriously.
6. You may be excited about trying this method and want to build as many boxes as you can possibly fit in your yard… I would recommend starting small.  See number 4.
7. Chose vegetables you will actually eat for your square foot garden; no sense in wasting a square on something that will not be consumed by anyone in your household.  How about some various lettuces, carrots, or cherry tomatoes?
8. The bees will come to your garden very soon, but this is a plus.  As long as you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
9. Lots of other bugs will show up, too.  This may or may not be a plus.  I’m thinking I’ll be buying some live Sta-Home™ Lady Beetles soon to help combat the other pests.  Or at the very least, buy some Plant Guardian™ Houseplant Insecticidal Soap.

That’s all the tips I have for now.  Next I’ll tell you about which vegetables I chose, and where I planted them in my Square Foot Garden.