A reader of this blog, Spazholio, asked: “What are the benefits to square foot gardening over just planting a regular ol’ garden?

Quite honestly, I can’t compare the two different approaches from practical, empirical knowledge. When I decided to start a garden, I sought out my favorite kind of knowledge: Book Knowledge. I scoured online bookstores for good gardening books. I was roped in by the back cover of All New Square Foot Gardening:

“If you want to grow more vegetables–and flowers–in less space, All New Square Foot Gardening is for you. Author Mel Bartholomew takes you through his proven Square Food Gardening method adopted by satisfied gardeners for … Read More

I convinced Matt (without much persuasion needed) to make the trek to the gardening store. We are now armed and ready to plant:

1. Burpee’s Heirlooms: Carrot Touchon (Sweet & Tender)
2. Burpee’s Heirlooms: Radish French Breakfast (Crisp & Zesty)
3. Burpee’s Heirlooms: Pea Thomas Laxton (Delicious)
4. Botanical Interests: Spinach Bloomsdale
5. Onion sets (um, like 200 bulbs)

We’re going to wait until Mother’s Day for the tomatoes and zinnias.

The “Plant Doctor” was on call and we asked her to test our soil. When we explained that we do “square-foot gardening” she was very snooty and almost didn’t even want to test our “potting mix,” as she called it. She also insisted that … Read More

It’s beautiful outside.

Of course, since I live in Colorado, it could easily be snowing tomorrow.

Alas, I took advantage of the transitory warmth to do a little gardening. Or, pre-gardening, I should say.

At the end of last season, I pretty much left the raised beds in utter disarray. I was discouraged by the garden’s lack of proliferation last season, and I was cold.

So today I pulled out all the old plants, as well as the new weeds. I turned the soil and evened it out in the beds. They look fantastic. And it took me less than an hour. Hooray for square-foot gardening! There’s so much … Read More