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Square Foot Gardening: A New Way to Garden in Less Space with Less Work
One of the bestselling garden books ever is fresher than ever! Ready to inspire a whole new generation of gardeners. When he created the "square foot gardening" method, Mel Bartholomew, a retired engineer and efficiency expert, found the solution to the frustrations of most gardeners. His revolutionary system is it's an ingenious planting method based on using square foot blocks of garden space instead of rows. Gardeners build up, not down, so there's no digging and no tilling after the first year. And the method requires less thinning, less weeding, and less watering. "I found a better way to garden, one that's more efficient, more manageable, and requires less work," Bartholomew explains. Not surprisingly, his method quickly received worldwide recognition and has been written up in every major newspaper and gardening magazine. His book, which served as the companion to the nationally acclaimed television series, has sold over 800,000 copies. Now freshened with new illustrations, the book Ingram calls "the largest selling garden book in America" is reissued for the delight of a whole new generation of gardeners.
346 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2005
48 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
August 3, 2007
this is my favorite gardening book. what can i say? there's a man with a neck beard on the cover. his name is mel. mel is more or less my favorite person on the planet. he retired from his job as an engineer at 42 and then turned to gardening. when you set an engineer loose in a backyard gardening, you get precision gardening. basically, he figured out how closely you can plant things so that you get the maximum yield per square foot. each individual plant produces less, but the overall yield is much great. plus, there's way less to weed. this book rocks
January 25, 2008
In my small yard a good principle. I apply to the Ronco school of gardening--you know set it and forget it. That's right, I plant my seeds, let the sprinklers and sun do their thing and pray that I'll get more that 4 tomatoes.
December 5, 2008
The idea that I like is that it reminded me that I want to grow more things vertically this year to get the most out of my kitchen garden. I also love that it encourages you to get away from the mindset of planting in rows and following the seed packets word for word in terms of spacing. From experience, raised beds are excellent for starting a garden from scratch. I created and tended two 8'x4' raised beds when I lived in our former house that didn't have a backyard garden (we were in a townhouse at the time so I also planted heavily in containers on our deck - my first plant was chives and I absolutely think they are the perfect first herb for kitchen gardeners as they are so easy to grow... but that has nothing to do with this book - LOL!).
So let's get back to the book...What I didn't like was the planting mix recommended and the need for soil testing. I read the newer edition (from my local library) as well as the older one that I had on my shelf to compare. The newer one eliminates the need for soil testing but I think makes use of peat in the recommended soil mix, which is not renewable, so is rather taxing on our planet if everyone went out and built a garden like this. I'm much more in favor of building up the soil with compost. And them measuring for each square foot and nailing it down with window blinds!!! Are you kidding me? I just can't imagine myself doing this (though I was tempted to try this method next season for the sheer reason of getting rid of all of the weed seed - what I SHOULD do it just put some black plastic or newspaper down now and plant through it come spring).
I also don't think I would like how everything will *look* in a garden of this sort. The tomato will be in this square. And the lettuce will be in this square. It just seems too orderly (even for someone fairly anal such as myself). Also if all of my lettuce and carrots are planted in their own square all together isn't this like open invitation to the bunnies that frequent my garden to come right in and make themselves at home to our square-foot buffet? The only reason I had some lettuce and arugula available is because some of it was hidden under some other plant and they couldn't get to it. (Yes, I should probably look into some protective covering... and I DID use some this year on the strawberries but the birds still got to the ripe berries. I was so frustrated with our lack of berries that I pulled the pushes a few weeks ago and tossed them in the compost. Of course, I sorely regretted it two days later... but these are the challenges that we invite into our lives when we pick that seed pack and shovel).
I am aiming for more of a casual kitchen garden - a cottage garden of fruits/vegetables/herbs (though I am very far from having this garden ideal since I haven't found any good references on this subject but not for lack of trying. So mainly it's been trial and error. I've either found lots of books on formal kitchen gardens and one where you would need to become a full time landscape architect to be able to have the time and knowledge to be able to implement such designs). But I have a strip of dirt on the side of my house... no room to make fancy hexagonal herb gardens that you would need a gardener on staff to maintain. I envision rosemary intermingling with peas, and tomatoes getting cozy alongside basil, lavender alongside green beans. I am continually inspired by the French potager gardens and the casual Italian kitchen gardens that I've seen. Maybe this is too idyllic or maybe it IS something that can become a reality.. along with the garden arch full of trailing roses that are free of disease (which has a few years yet before these will even be purchased)... but I still have a lifetime to perfect it. And as all gardeners know, despite these trials and frustrations out in the garden, when December and January roll around we will be right there by the mailbox awaiting the seed catalogs for the new year. I've already started collecting the stack that started arriving and making a list for the essentials that I MUST have in next season's garden. I can just taste the potatoes now (that will be grown in an old garbage can on the deck just as soon as Mike drills holes in it or shows me where the drill is)!
So let's get back to the book...What I didn't like was the planting mix recommended and the need for soil testing. I read the newer edition (from my local library) as well as the older one that I had on my shelf to compare. The newer one eliminates the need for soil testing but I think makes use of peat in the recommended soil mix, which is not renewable, so is rather taxing on our planet if everyone went out and built a garden like this. I'm much more in favor of building up the soil with compost. And them measuring for each square foot and nailing it down with window blinds!!! Are you kidding me? I just can't imagine myself doing this (though I was tempted to try this method next season for the sheer reason of getting rid of all of the weed seed - what I SHOULD do it just put some black plastic or newspaper down now and plant through it come spring).
I also don't think I would like how everything will *look* in a garden of this sort. The tomato will be in this square. And the lettuce will be in this square. It just seems too orderly (even for someone fairly anal such as myself). Also if all of my lettuce and carrots are planted in their own square all together isn't this like open invitation to the bunnies that frequent my garden to come right in and make themselves at home to our square-foot buffet? The only reason I had some lettuce and arugula available is because some of it was hidden under some other plant and they couldn't get to it. (Yes, I should probably look into some protective covering... and I DID use some this year on the strawberries but the birds still got to the ripe berries. I was so frustrated with our lack of berries that I pulled the pushes a few weeks ago and tossed them in the compost. Of course, I sorely regretted it two days later... but these are the challenges that we invite into our lives when we pick that seed pack and shovel).
I am aiming for more of a casual kitchen garden - a cottage garden of fruits/vegetables/herbs (though I am very far from having this garden ideal since I haven't found any good references on this subject but not for lack of trying. So mainly it's been trial and error. I've either found lots of books on formal kitchen gardens and one where you would need to become a full time landscape architect to be able to have the time and knowledge to be able to implement such designs). But I have a strip of dirt on the side of my house... no room to make fancy hexagonal herb gardens that you would need a gardener on staff to maintain. I envision rosemary intermingling with peas, and tomatoes getting cozy alongside basil, lavender alongside green beans. I am continually inspired by the French potager gardens and the casual Italian kitchen gardens that I've seen. Maybe this is too idyllic or maybe it IS something that can become a reality.. along with the garden arch full of trailing roses that are free of disease (which has a few years yet before these will even be purchased)... but I still have a lifetime to perfect it. And as all gardeners know, despite these trials and frustrations out in the garden, when December and January roll around we will be right there by the mailbox awaiting the seed catalogs for the new year. I've already started collecting the stack that started arriving and making a list for the essentials that I MUST have in next season's garden. I can just taste the potatoes now (that will be grown in an old garbage can on the deck just as soon as Mike drills holes in it or shows me where the drill is)!
September 8, 2013
This is a very good book for anyone who wants to grow a market garden, even if there is little open ground to do so. By creating squares divided into specific grids, the author provides an easy guideline for would-be gardeners, who want results without too much work. For me, I found his chapters nicely laid out with tidbits on pests, water, soil, and structures.
While I don't use too much square footing as I have plenty garden space, I've seen it in action at a neighborhood open garden, where each owner successfully follows Bartholomew's advice as gospel. His chapter on vertical gardening is eye-opening, so it's hard to go wrong with this book as a basic bible for first-timers.
Book Season = Year Round (each season has its seed)
While I don't use too much square footing as I have plenty garden space, I've seen it in action at a neighborhood open garden, where each owner successfully follows Bartholomew's advice as gospel. His chapter on vertical gardening is eye-opening, so it's hard to go wrong with this book as a basic bible for first-timers.
Book Season = Year Round (each season has its seed)
January 25, 2009
MCL. I'm going to give this a go this year!
April 28, 2008
I first heard about this gardening method either watching the church's annual general report or seeing a link to it on the LDS.org website. It was highlighted in a story about teaching poor people in third world countries or in big cities with tiny plots of growing space to start gardens. The church would go in to teach and most of the time they used this method. I was intrigued so I bought the book.
We always had a garden growing up and all I remember is LOTS AND LOTS OF WEEDING and never having lots of food at the end. We hated it. The premise of the book is to change the way you think about gardening (not in rows in a massive mud pit that attracts more weeds than plants) but in easy to reach blocks (usually 4x4 sf) and utilizing vertical plants by having them grow up (i.e. tomatoes) thus you can harvest twice as much crop in half as much space.
I got this book last year when we started planning our first garden. People think I'm crazy -- and Darik thinks I'm too into "the method" but I swear everyone will understand when it comes harvest time.
November 23, 2023
Bartholomew is the inventor of the square-foot gardening method and so I had to read this original, as is from the era in which it emerged. This edition was released some 42 years ago, so the era in which it was written is reflective, but found the introduction of the square foot gardening method very useful. The basic concept is presented and with a little critical thinking, the reader can take it further and develop on their own.
Square foot gardening, for the uninitiated, focuses on efficiency not only in space usage but as result making garden maintenance much easier, especially for those who haven't invested much in the way of physical fitness.
After a few chapters dedicated to sq foot gardening, the remainder of the book focuses on gardening fundamentals, which is explained in simple, easy to understand writing.
Good book; might be even a very good book for new gardeners.
Square foot gardening, for the uninitiated, focuses on efficiency not only in space usage but as result making garden maintenance much easier, especially for those who haven't invested much in the way of physical fitness.
After a few chapters dedicated to sq foot gardening, the remainder of the book focuses on gardening fundamentals, which is explained in simple, easy to understand writing.
Good book; might be even a very good book for new gardeners.
October 26, 2016
It is the best gardening book I have read! I set up my new garden according to the SFG guidelines and I am very happy with the results. Over the last few months the SFG method has proven to be easier to maintain than the traditional methods. Recommended!
June 24, 2008
The only workable solution to gardening in a tight space - excellent book!
Read
May 27, 2020A perfect gardening for beginers book. He covers every important topic. He is trying to sell you on the square foot method in each chapter though.
April 28, 2009
This is, by far, the best vegetable gardening book I have read.
You hear a lot about square foot gardening, but Bartholomew really details every step to make your garden successful. The book is knowledgeable and detailed, but also an easy read. I also found that this book is very easily browsible and searchable, which is a plus for a gardening book.
I was easily sold on square foot gardening:
1. We don't have an excess of space. With square foot gardening, you can have plenty of food for two people with two 4x4 plots.
2. There are only two of us in our household, so we don't want an overabundance of produce that goes to waste. Rows of carrots that will be harvested at the same time would be a waste.
3. The set-up of square foot gardens make them easier to manage (weed, water, etc.) It also makes it easy to rotate crops in future years.
4. I prefer the look of the square foot gardening over rows of traditional gardening.
The chapters are set up logically, from planning to the different steps of preparing soil and planting to a dictionary of common vegetables and herbs. It is a great reference text for planting common vegetables and gardens. For a beginner, this book is a must. It made it incredibly easy to layout our garden in a spreadsheet for reference. It also goes into detail about how to plant more than one crop throughout the season. So, you really can get the most out of the land you have.
The only drawback to this book that I noticed is that the author mainly discusses common produce (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, beans, etc.) If you are looking to do a special variety or something different, it may not be included. A larger plant encyclopedia is probably the way to go. But, if you are looking to garden smarter, this is the book for you.
You hear a lot about square foot gardening, but Bartholomew really details every step to make your garden successful. The book is knowledgeable and detailed, but also an easy read. I also found that this book is very easily browsible and searchable, which is a plus for a gardening book.
I was easily sold on square foot gardening:
1. We don't have an excess of space. With square foot gardening, you can have plenty of food for two people with two 4x4 plots.
2. There are only two of us in our household, so we don't want an overabundance of produce that goes to waste. Rows of carrots that will be harvested at the same time would be a waste.
3. The set-up of square foot gardens make them easier to manage (weed, water, etc.) It also makes it easy to rotate crops in future years.
4. I prefer the look of the square foot gardening over rows of traditional gardening.
The chapters are set up logically, from planning to the different steps of preparing soil and planting to a dictionary of common vegetables and herbs. It is a great reference text for planting common vegetables and gardens. For a beginner, this book is a must. It made it incredibly easy to layout our garden in a spreadsheet for reference. It also goes into detail about how to plant more than one crop throughout the season. So, you really can get the most out of the land you have.
The only drawback to this book that I noticed is that the author mainly discusses common produce (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, beans, etc.) If you are looking to do a special variety or something different, it may not be included. A larger plant encyclopedia is probably the way to go. But, if you are looking to garden smarter, this is the book for you.
December 22, 2011
This book was a bit off the beaten path for me, but I read it at my wife’s insistence. She thought that I should read some practical books so that I could develop hobbies and interests like a normal human other than Ancient Near Eastern history, Medieval literature, Norse literature, Greek and Roman history, etc. She also thought that I should probably read a book or two about sports so that I could have the ability to converse in the universal language of my fellow American males. I have yet to follow through on that suggestion.
Anyway, back to square-foot gardens. We had done a small garden for several years and had never had much success. This year, following the square foot method, we decreased the size of our garden by about 75% and probably tripled the amount of vegetables we got out of it. So, needless to say, I’m a convert.
One word of warning, however. In the edition I read, Bartholomew suggests making paths through your garden with planks of wood in order to avoid having to weed the walkways. We found out first hand that planks of wood lying in the dirt are like flashing neon “Welcome” signs for black widow spiders! I’ve heard that newer editions of the book don’t make the same suggestion.
Anyway, back to square-foot gardens. We had done a small garden for several years and had never had much success. This year, following the square foot method, we decreased the size of our garden by about 75% and probably tripled the amount of vegetables we got out of it. So, needless to say, I’m a convert.
One word of warning, however. In the edition I read, Bartholomew suggests making paths through your garden with planks of wood in order to avoid having to weed the walkways. We found out first hand that planks of wood lying in the dirt are like flashing neon “Welcome” signs for black widow spiders! I’ve heard that newer editions of the book don’t make the same suggestion.
May 13, 2011
The author constantly compares the square foot gardening to the "old" method of gardening and why square foot gardening is better, which didn't matter to me since I have never gardened.
Since I have no previous experience to compare this to, it has so much wonderful information that I have not been able to totally absorb so I find myself going back to it often for more reference and I took it with me to Home Depot the other day.
Maybe I should write this review in the fall after we have grown and eaten some our harvest. I am happy to report that we have happy tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant ready to venture outside but embarrassed to admit that we botched out lettuce, broccoli, and half our cauliflower, onions, and spinach since those are reportedly easy and fun to grow.
Barbara Kingsolver has heightened my resolve to someday grow my own food, and Mel Bartholomew has strengthened the likelihood that this will happen. Yay for eating real vegetables!
Since I have no previous experience to compare this to, it has so much wonderful information that I have not been able to totally absorb so I find myself going back to it often for more reference and I took it with me to Home Depot the other day.
Maybe I should write this review in the fall after we have grown and eaten some our harvest. I am happy to report that we have happy tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant ready to venture outside but embarrassed to admit that we botched out lettuce, broccoli, and half our cauliflower, onions, and spinach since those are reportedly easy and fun to grow.
Barbara Kingsolver has heightened my resolve to someday grow my own food, and Mel Bartholomew has strengthened the likelihood that this will happen. Yay for eating real vegetables!
January 9, 2008
A great starter for the beginning gardener, it provides a lot of practical advice for starting out in intensive gardening. A little salesy and repetative, it none-the-less provides helpful charts for planning when and how much to plant, and ideas for planning and making your garden beds with a minimum of work.
Once you've mastered the basic system, though, you'll learn far more and go further towards creating a truely sustainable garden with John Jeavon's "How to Grow More Vegetables."
Once you've mastered the basic system, though, you'll learn far more and go further towards creating a truely sustainable garden with John Jeavon's "How to Grow More Vegetables."
January 12, 2009
This book was a Christmas gift that I had almost finished by the time we arrived back in St. Louis.
I found it helpful to read through the entire process of preparing the soil in spring, planting seeds, harvesting, and then preparing the soil for the harsh winter. The unusual method of planting exactly the number of seeds needed--and spaced appropriately--instead of the typical method of dumping a packet of seeds in a row and then thinning them out later is appealing.
In 2008 I planted my first garden, and it didn't turn out the way I had hoped. The veggies for harvest were less abundant that I expected and I way overplanted given the limited space I have. Also, the weeds were unrelenting. I'm ready to give Bartholomew's method a shot!
I found it helpful to read through the entire process of preparing the soil in spring, planting seeds, harvesting, and then preparing the soil for the harsh winter. The unusual method of planting exactly the number of seeds needed--and spaced appropriately--instead of the typical method of dumping a packet of seeds in a row and then thinning them out later is appealing.
In 2008 I planted my first garden, and it didn't turn out the way I had hoped. The veggies for harvest were less abundant that I expected and I way overplanted given the limited space I have. Also, the weeds were unrelenting. I'm ready to give Bartholomew's method a shot!
April 1, 2020
This book was really helpful. It very clearly and methodically lays out the method of SFG. It goes through set up, suggestions for what to plant, troubleshooting; basically everything you could need to start and maintain a garden. He’s a little overenamored with vermiculite, but overall the method seems very approachable and doable. The suggestion to start with just one 4’x4’ plot means this will be achievable by pretty well anybody. My favorite part was the very end where he goes through each vegetable and discussed it quickly, but in depth: when and how to plant, maintenance, and when and how to harvest. It was a quick read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who might like to grow a few veggies!
July 25, 2009
I no longer wants to pays for my foodz.
My only complaint amongst this and 2 my hydroponic books is this:
book 1 is about hydroponics inside.
2 is about hydropincs and soil gardening inside.
3 is about soil outside.
i don't know anything about gardening, and i'd like a little more discussion about which is appropriate for which circumstances and for what reasons. I live in San Diego where it's warm and sunny all the time. Can I use hydoponics outside? hydroponics seems ideal because of gthe degree of control it allows. is there something don't know, or can i just skip all the artificial lighting and warming chapters and plant something hydro/aeropnically in my back yard?
My only complaint amongst this and 2 my hydroponic books is this:
book 1 is about hydroponics inside.
2 is about hydropincs and soil gardening inside.
3 is about soil outside.
i don't know anything about gardening, and i'd like a little more discussion about which is appropriate for which circumstances and for what reasons. I live in San Diego where it's warm and sunny all the time. Can I use hydoponics outside? hydroponics seems ideal because of gthe degree of control it allows. is there something don't know, or can i just skip all the artificial lighting and warming chapters and plant something hydro/aeropnically in my back yard?
April 22, 2010
This book was a real inspiration for me. I'd been putting off getting back into gardening for some time because I thought it would take too much time, too much space, too much commitment, and not produce as much as I'd want to be worth it all. Bartholomew's method really changed my perspective on all that and offers a nice recipe to follow. All my other hobbies and games have rules as he explains, and by offering rules and limits with his method it makes gardening seem much more manageable. So now I have two 4' by 4' blocks planted where there was just lawn before. So that's an improvement! Anything else I get out of the garden will be bonus.
Currently reading
March 25, 2011We are still in the midst of our Botany study for science. I had hoped we'd be finished by now, but we are still enjoying it. My plan was to finish it in the winter and have the boys plan and build their own raised bed garden. We started reading this aloud this week and we are in Chapter 3 and the boys are all excited and are in talks about what they will grow in their squares. So it will engage all their math lessons about area and square roots and all our plant study this year.
I just noticed that there is a lesson plan book for Square Foot Gardening with Children, I might have to check that out.
I just noticed that there is a lesson plan book for Square Foot Gardening with Children, I might have to check that out.
November 17, 2015
Review in Danish:
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Udmærkede informationer, måske især til nybegyndere.
Den bærer dog præg af at være skrevet af en mand med en aspergers-agtig tilgang til havebrug. Der er ikke plads til intuition og kreativitet, når man tilrettelægger haven i strengt regulerede produktionsenheder. Det er sikkert effektivt, men ikke ret hyggeligt.
Derudover er jeg kritisk overfor, at han indledningsvis fræser jorden og efterfølgende graver den før hver plantning, som med systemet sagtens kan være 2-3 gange om året. Det ødelægger jordens biologiske liv og er helt unødvendigt, særligt med den gode jord, vi har i Danmark.
-----------------------------
Udmærkede informationer, måske især til nybegyndere.
Den bærer dog præg af at være skrevet af en mand med en aspergers-agtig tilgang til havebrug. Der er ikke plads til intuition og kreativitet, når man tilrettelægger haven i strengt regulerede produktionsenheder. Det er sikkert effektivt, men ikke ret hyggeligt.
Derudover er jeg kritisk overfor, at han indledningsvis fræser jorden og efterfølgende graver den før hver plantning, som med systemet sagtens kan være 2-3 gange om året. Det ødelægger jordens biologiske liv og er helt unødvendigt, særligt med den gode jord, vi har i Danmark.
June 5, 2022
I am on my third copy of this book. The first, purchased new and read in one day, became so worn that when I found a used copy in better shape, I bought it. Then I found the newest edition on sale at a local bookstore and bought it. The second copy I gave to the extra-mural nurse who came three times a week during my cancer treatment. A long time gardener, I have been using a modified version of this method for over 30 years. Great for someone who wants to garden but lacks a lot of time, equipment or land. I have hand dug my beds for over 10 years, no need for a tiller or any other equipment besides a garden fork, rake and a trowel.
April 6, 2019
Book thoroughly explains a method for gardening in a suburban area or small space. This book is different than most gardening books because it is written by an engineer. His explanations and methods are more analytical and straightforward than creative.
I plan to incorporate most of his methods/recommendations. Although, I don't see the need for the raised beds and 'Mel's Mix' if one lives in an area with fertile soil and descent drainage.
The overview of a few dozen different common garden vegetables in the back of the book was helpful.
Recommend to any new gardener or anyone who is interested in a different gardening method.
I plan to incorporate most of his methods/recommendations. Although, I don't see the need for the raised beds and 'Mel's Mix' if one lives in an area with fertile soil and descent drainage.
The overview of a few dozen different common garden vegetables in the back of the book was helpful.
Recommend to any new gardener or anyone who is interested in a different gardening method.
May 23, 2019
Great way to garden and very good explanation how to do it. However it seems you should try to get your hands on the first edition of it, since later ones are even more adamant about tools, tricks, and materials to use in the garden, while in this first one, the goal still was to make gardening easier.
The only downside is the repeated mention of how great and unique this method is and how it’s the only reasonable way how to garden. It gets tired very soon. Also the constant mention of vermiculite is a bit annoying.
Still a very helpful book for new gardeners and people with only a little space to grow stuff.
The only downside is the repeated mention of how great and unique this method is and how it’s the only reasonable way how to garden. It gets tired very soon. Also the constant mention of vermiculite is a bit annoying.
Still a very helpful book for new gardeners and people with only a little space to grow stuff.
July 17, 2017
It's time to say goodbye to this book, because I've come to the realization that I only have so much time and energy left in life and I wont be spending it on Vegetable gardening. Vinny is keeping those tomato plants going and I'm TLA with my Blueberries, but other than that it's Farmers Market and New Seasons for me.
This is the first Non fiction book I read voluntarily from cover to cover. I love it and refer to it frequently. Bartholomew lays out such a common sense to taking up less space, using less water and gaining more yield it's embarassing.
This is the first Non fiction book I read voluntarily from cover to cover. I love it and refer to it frequently. Bartholomew lays out such a common sense to taking up less space, using less water and gaining more yield it's embarassing.
September 28, 2007
This book was recommended by Melissa right after we all finished Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and I was all stoked to live off the land, etc. I really enjoyed it, but for the fact that I live in a third-floor apartment, and have absolutely no space to garden, and Square Foot Gardening is ALL about the practical tricks and tips. I love the concept of only planting and growing what you need, and growing things all together, and I definitely plan on picking this one up again when I actually live in a house.
March 1, 2008
I learned a lot from this book and am glad that I read it. I will be changing some things in my garden this year because of it. The only thing is that the guy is way more anal than I could ever be, so not everything thing applied. Also he gave a lot of attention to things that need to be done in places with real winters, it made me grateful that I live in California. Gardens in the rest of the country sound way to complex! I have to give it 3 stars rather than 4 just because it was informational, without a plotline.
April 22, 2010
A lot of people love square foot gardening, but my conclusion after reading the book is that it's more of a trend than a useful technique. It combines tried and true methods like mulching and raised beds with some space-saving techniques that don't work very well in practice. While the formal lines blend in well in a city situation, the technique doesn't have much to offer the homesteader.
Read my full review of Square Foot Gardening on my blog.
Read my full review of Square Foot Gardening on my blog.
June 2, 2012
There are more current versions of this book. It offered many fun diagrams and pictures. I mostly skimmed it, but the parts I chose to read were very helpful. I especially liked all the charts of when to plant to have continual harvest from certain crops. I didn't know you shouldn't smoke while picking or planting tomatoes because of the tobacco in the cigarette. I also enjoyed the pictures and ideas for verticle gardens, something I would like to try someday. I will probably pick this up again sometime.
February 25, 2008
This book has great ideas on how to garden in a small space: it never occurred to me to grow cucumbers on a trellis, but it works wonderfully. It also has a very helpful section which includes different types of vegetables to grow, when to grow them, and how many to plant in a square foot. This book helped me diversify my vegetables, and get more plants in my small space (I usually just planted tomatoes and green beans, and that was all I could fit!)
April 13, 2008
Anyone who really wants to start a good home garden needs to have this book on hand. I have read it before a long time ago, and I borrowed it from my friend to read again. It is chuck full of good advice and concrete plans for building a really good garden. I need to buy a copy to keep. It has great specific plans for anyone who doesn't really know how to start a productive garden and if you have limited space.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews