A lot of food can be grown in just a few square feet. Especially when it comes to lettuces and greens that can be sown in succession. Don't let your lack of space be an excuse for not producing food that you can enjoy from garden to the table.
Square Foot Garden Method
Square foot gardening is all the rage right now and is perfect for those of you who like a tidy looking garden. All you need is a 4’ x 4’ foot space, some 2” x 6” lumber and a little trellis to put this easy to build square box together.
Use string wound around nails spaced 1 foot apart around the edge of the box and plant into the 1’ x 1’ squares for an orderly and adorable little veggie garden. For more details on how many seeds to plant per square foot, visit this link to see a sample layout: http://www.sowanddipity.com/square-foot-gardening/
This garden design is a compost and vegetable garden in one. The lasagna style of building the bed uses recycled materials such as newsprint and cardboard at the bottom. It’s topped with well-rotted compost in a keyhole shaped bed that allows access to a wire basket in the center for kitchen scraps and garden trimmings.
It’s also intended to conserve water by building it up on a slope from the center. If you’re interested in learning more about this small space garden technique visit this link here: http://www.sowanddipity.com/keyhole-garden-tutorial/
Spiral Herb Garden
Not only does this garden save space, but it adds a beautiful focal point to your yard as well. This can be made out of recycled materials such as chicken wire or wire fencing. Create a circle out of bricks and place a roll of wire fencing in the middle. Unravel the roll in a spiral fashion from one edge of the bricks to the center. Cut the wire on a gradual slope from the outer edge to the center of the circle then pack moss to the inside of the spiral adding soil as you go to hold it in place.
The garden is ideal for herbs or plants that attract bees and butterflies. Visit this link for some suggestions on what to plant in this decorative garden: http://www.sowanddipity.com/diy-spiral-herb-garden/
Growing your own food is a very rewarding summer time activity. These small space growing methods are easy to implement and will have you enjoying deliciously fresh garden veggies in no time. Remember; when it comes to plants... think outside the pot.
For more great ideas about small space gardening, visit Shelley in person, weekends at Art's Nursery, or browse her blog at www.sowanddipity.com