Master Gardener: How To Build Your Own Square Foot Gardening Boxes

Square foot gardening is the practice of using above-ground boxes to grow plants. Use the special soil mix included with the trellis and you are ready to start gardening. The benefits of square foot landscaping include less labor, lower costs, and less space. Anyone from 4 to 94 years of age can participate in the garden.

Kids can get their own little box to make like 3x3 feet instead of 4x4. Having your own garden creates responsibility and connects you with nature. Encourage all participants to eat healthy while building confidence. Horticultural knowledge is extended by applying previous scientific and mathematical knowledge and by experimenting with new concepts. Critical and analytical thinking is also part of this, but don't tell anyone!

Gardening has a positive effect on mental and behavioral activity, reduces stress, improves concentration and memory, and creates a better mood. Family growth creates positive bonds together because good memories are created through shared experiences. Here is how to do it.

Here is an example. You need.

• (4) 4 foot 2x6 rough lumber

• (12) 4" wood screws

• (6) 4 feet of shingles of chain mail or heavy string/string and nails

• (9) set screws

• Electric drill

• Hammer

1. To make a box, use 4" wood screws to join 4" sticks together to form a square. Insert 3 screws for each connection. It is recommended to pre-drill a starter hole for each screw.

2. In the second stage, the soil is mixed. You need 8 cubic feet of soil for one box. One third should be compost, 1/3 vermiculite and 1/3 pea moss. (*Tip: Try using different types of compost.) Mix the compost mix with vermiculite and peat moss and fill the box with freshly mixed potting soil, wetting the layers under running water as they fill.

3. To complete the planting arrangements, assemble a grid that defines each square garden. One option is to build the net using 4 foot wooden beams. It's easy to tie heavy string or twine horizontally and vertically to the garden frame at 1-foot intervals and tie to nails or hang in a garden box.

For answers to your questions about gardening, visit the Montgomery County Master Gardeners website at www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824 . Master Gardener members are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the A&M AgriLife Extension offices in Montgomery County, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe , Texas 77301.

Yard Per Square Foot 101 - Urban Gardening Project