Square Foot Gardening

This is the time of year when many of us start (or finish) planning our summer gardens. We have visions of beautiful green plants growing strong, and fresh, yummy produce we've picked ourselves. We feel much excitement and anticipation at the possibilities.

Well, because of my family's plans to relocate this summer, we won't be able to have a garden this year, which makes me sad. But I wanted to pass on a gardening method I learned about several years ago and have tried a few times for myself, for those who need ideas--or motivation. And the best part is that this method can be used on your porch, patio, balcony, or backyard. So if you're like me and currently have no backyard but still have that gardening itch, this is an excellent way to garden. (This pic is our balcony garden from one year ago, just starting to grow.) Or if you're just looking for a way to garden in your backyard with less of a time and energy commitment, please check out the link below.

Square Foot Gardening, a method developed by Mel Bartholomew, is being taught world-wide, including to people in third-world countries, and has changed lives because of its revolutionary, empowering, yet simple principles. It uses less space, requires less weeding and watering, yet tends to yield more than traditional gardens. (The above linked website isn't as navigable as I would like, but Mel's book is fabulous and can be found through the library system.) I have loved my SFG and will definitely be gardening this way again next year!