Can I do square foot gardening without raised beds and special soil?
Image by Wally Hartshorn
Using 4 foot wood lath strips, I created the grid of 1 foot by 1 foot squares. (Thus the name "Square Foot Gardening".) Finally, the bed is ready for plants!
Question by Russell: Can I do square foot gardening without raised beds and special soil?
What do you think? Answer below!
3 Responses to Can I do square foot gardening without raised beds and special soil?
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Sure, use sedums, they are extremely easy, grow anywhere, and come in many different varieties!
Phoebe
June 17, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Raised beds are more to promote better drainage, but if your garden area drains well, skip that part.
Second the soil does need to be very good since you are putting so much stress on it, trying to grow so much in such a small area. Dig in compost and make sure the soil is dug deep enough to get the air back into the soil. I’d also use a starter fertilizer in the soil before planting because when the plants are up and crowded, it will be hard to band fertilize.
If you are growing spreaders like cucumbers, spread them outside the planting area so they don’t interfere. When you harvest and replant, remember to add more compost and fertilizer before reseeding.
fluffernut
June 17, 2011 at 7:45 pm
The whole concept of square foot gardens centers around the raised beds.
It is possible not to do it but not preferable.
The raised beds promote easier root establishment, better water drainage and make for easier upkeep.
BigTex Worms
June 17, 2011 at 8:24 pm