Introduction:
Last year we simply started a few seeds indoors in February for Imboc, the half way point between the Winter Solsitce and the Spring Equinox. It was a little early but those babies flourished in little egg cartons until we moved them out to our two 4x8 raised garden beds filled with horse manure where they grew faster than I ever imagined. This year I discovered the art of square foot gardening, an efficient and space-saving technique perfect for homesteaders and survivalists looking to maximize their yields in limited space. We have big ambitions and have dedicated the last two months to prepping our land, building new boxes, and now running irrigation.
Finding space and time for gardening can seem like a daunting task. However, with the rise of square foot gardening, cultivating your own lush green oasis is more achievable than ever. This innovative gardening method is perfect for those looking to maximize their yields in minimal space. Let's delve into the world of square foot gardening basics and discover how you can transform your backyard or balcony into a flourishing garden sanctuary.
What is Square Foot Gardening?
Square foot gardening revolutionizes traditional gardening methods, offering homesteaders and survivalists an intensive approach to cultivate crops in small spaces. Developed by Mel Bartholomew, this method divides growing areas into 1-foot by 1-foot squares, optimizing efficiency and yield.
Benefits for Homesteaders and Survivalists:
Space Efficiency: Ideal for homesteaders and survivalists with limited space, square foot gardening maximizes every inch of available land, making it suitable for backyard gardens or even balcony setups.
Self-Sufficiency: In times of crisis or for those striving for self-sufficiency, square foot gardening enables the production of fresh, nutrient-rich produce right at home, reducing reliance on external food sources.
Minimal Maintenance: With organized square sections, weeding, watering, and maintenance become streamlined, saving time and effort, crucial for busy homesteaders and survivalists.
High Yields: By densely planting each square foot, square foot gardening yields abundant harvests, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce for homesteading and survival needs.
How to Get Started:
Plan Your Garden: Assess your space, sunlight exposure, and desired crops. We use a Permaculture Philosophy on our land. More on that in the future! Sketch out your garden beds and decide on suitable plant varieties. We used the Old Farmers Almanac Garden Planner this year and highly recommend it.
Build Raised Beds: Construct raised beds using untreated lumber or other materials, ensuring they are no wider than 4 feet for easy access. This year we did eight 4x11 beds with 3’ of space between each one for wheel barrow access.
Divide Into Squares: Divide your raised beds into square foot sections using string or slats, organizing each square for different crops. I bought a seeding square and will provide a review soon once I start planting.
Select Plants: Choose a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers suitable for your climate and growing conditions. The Old Farmers Almanac Garden Planner was super helpful here as well! We plan on using heirloom, organic seeds and applying Polyculture methods.
Plant and Maintain: Plant according to spacing guidelines, keeping your garden well-watered, mulched, and monitored for pests and diseases. In our area we have loads of Spanish Moss and oak tree leaves we will be using for free mulch. I have also applied to receive free wood chips from Chip Drop which we are blessed to have in our area and I will provide an update once we receive ours!
Conclusion:
Square foot gardening offers homesteaders and survivalists a practical and efficient solution for growing their own fresh produce, even in limited spaces. By embracing this method, you can enhance your self-sufficiency, resilience, and overall well-being, ensuring a bountiful harvest for your homestead or survival needs.
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