How to start a Raised Bed Garden for beginners // Square Foot Gardening Basics

Square foot gardening is a method of growing plants in a way that utilizes a small, organized area, typically in raised beds that are divided into one-foot by one-foot squares. It focuses on planting a variety of plants in confined spaces to maximize yield and reduce maintenance.

You can use any container that is suitable for square foot gardening, such as pots on your porch for smaller plants, or larger, bottomless containers for a garden setting. Containers can vary in material from wood to galvanized metal and come in differing heights and sizes.

Raised bed gardening allows for better control over soil quality, reduces weed problems significantly, and prevents soil compaction. It also makes it easier to manage pests and can lead to better yields and healthier plants due to the controlled environment.

Beds should not be wider than four feet to ensure you can easily reach the middle for planting and harvesting. As for length, anything is fine as long as it fits your space. Use strings and landscape pins to mark one-foot intervals within the bed, dividing the area into equal squares.

Yes, but it's recommended to place cardboard down first (a no-dig garden method), then add your soil mix on top. This helps prevent weeds from growing up into the bed from the ground below.

Draft a layout considering what you desire to grow and eat, then refer to resources or charts that suggest how many plants per square foot can be planted effectively. For example, one can plant nine bush beans or four onions per square foot.

There are various options for pathways between beds. You can leave grass, which will need room for a lawnmower path, or use mulch, gravel, or a combination of cardboard and grass clippings to suppress weeds and provide clear pathways.