Square foot gardening is the method of growing a lot in a small area.

The most popular square foot gardening method is to build 4x4 square boxes out of untreated lumber or mason blocks and then filling with good soil and compost.

This unique method of gardening was developed by Mel Bartholomew about 15 -20 years ago. He adapted the use of raised beds, popular in Europe, to more American home gardening habits.

To get a quick square foot gardening overview get the faq here.

Katy and I have constructed three 4x4 boxes and three larger boxes of varying dimensions, for a total area of 120 square feet. In such a small area we yield quite a bounty each year, which of course leads to the annual home canning ritual. Although the canning becomes almost a chore by the end of the season, it's worth that fresh jar of homemade tomato sauce in the dead of winter!

Helpful links for the beginner square foot gardener

• Square Foot Gardenings Home Site
• Mel Bartholomew's tip sheet
• Plant Spacing
• The compost resource page
• Rot Web another great site on making your own compost.
• Virtual Gardener an in depth online gardening magazine. 

Canning Sites

• Home canning guide
• Home canning online good recipe search available here.
• Maple Springs Bookstore a site where you can buy canning and food storage related books.

Recipes

• Homemade Tomato Sauce
• Canned Roasted Peppers in Tomato Sauce

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