Kelly the Culinarian: A Look at My Square Foot Garden

Monday, June 4, 2012

A Look at My Square Foot Garden

This year, I finally invested some time and money in creating a square foot garden. I've been meaning to do this for years (we've lived in this house for 3.75 years).
The before
I started with calling our management company to make sure it was OK I built the garden bed. After I got the green light, I removed the plants that were there and picked up a few 2x8 inch boards.



I built a simple frame that spanned four feet across and 10 feet long. Then, I filled it with a mixture of peat, vermiculite and compost. Whoever came up with the phrase "dirt cheap" was very wrong. The soil was easily the most expensive part of this project.

I also added empty plastic bottles with holes drilled in the bottom for irrigation before adding a grid. I have 40 squares for planting.

Around Mother's Day, I put the plants in the ground. I have several types of lettuce, squash, tomato, herbs and peppers.
The current after
Between the soil, lumber, plants and other supplies, I estimate that I've spent around $110 on this project. However, some of those costs can be annualized if I continue gardening. Time wise, I think I've spent perhaps four hours so far constructing, measuring and filling the garden. I water it every couple of days and don't have much in the way of upkeep like weeding.

Time will tell what kind of return on investment I'll get. Grow, little friends!

4 comments:

Amanda said...

Looks great! I'm such a novice gardener and mine looks a little sad right now and I wish I could plant more! I do all the digging myself and the ground was really hard this year!

Unknown said...

Ok that is so cool! I've always dreamed about having my own garden but my association basically sucks and would never allow it!

-Irina (www.chocolateatime.com)

Kim said...

I am so happy you get to do it right by your house! We tried an community garden but it was so far away we couldn't take care of it as well.

I hope it turns out well! I am anxious to hear what you think of your lettuce!

Amanda - TooTallFritz said...

Yay! Great way to make use of the space you have! :o)