Planning Tip
Make a realistic written plan before beginning. A simple written plan helps you decide what to grow, where to
place the garden, how many boxes you need, and how much food your family can use during the season.
Layout Tip
Think in squares, not rows. Square Foot Gardening uses organized 4-foot by 4-foot areas with individual
square-foot sections for planting. This makes the garden easier to plan, easier to manage, and easier to
harvest.
Soil Tip
Do not worry about bad existing soil. Square Foot Gardening uses a special growing mix made with compost,
peat moss, and coarse vermiculite. The garden is built above ground, so the soil underneath is not the focus.
Grid Tip
Use a square-foot grid on top of each box. The grid organizes the garden and helps you know exactly where
each flower, vegetable, or herb belongs.
Water Tip
Water only where the plants are growing. Efficient watering is one reason Square Foot Gardening uses much
less water than conventional gardening.
Harvest Tip
When a square is finished producing, add compost and replant that square with a new and different crop. This
keeps the garden productive and helps replenish nutrients.
What Visitors Should Know
Blacksmith Farms is a resource for people who want hands-on gardening education, clear instruction, andencouragement. The website should help visitors learn what Square Foot Gardening is, why it works, how seminars are structured, and how to take the next step toward learning the method.