Square Foot Vegetable Gardening

From Plan to Plot to Pest Control

Build Raised Beds

Cedar and cypress are long lasting woods

Students never walk on soil in square foot garden

Measure and Mark each Square Foot

3 Feet x 3 Feet 4 Feet x 4 Feet

Double the SpaceAdd vertical growing space with PVC pipe and nylon cordGrow climbers like runner beans, cucumbers, squash skyward

Mel Bartholomew Engineer and inventor of the square foot gardening method, a low labor, small space, high intensity growing system for home and school gardens

Each plant has its own special spacing needs. Each square foot can accommodate one, two, four, nine or sixteen plants.

Schematic Plant Layout

Square foot gardening lets students apply simple arithmetic and measurement as they design beds and layout seeds and plants in each square foot. Students can create spacing templates for each vegetable.

Companion plant with herbs to deter pests.

Children must water and weed their

garden.

Chemical free gardening includes the following methods: Healthy soil makes for healthy plants…compost adds

nutrients to the soil. Make looking for and identifying insects a detective

game. The garden is an ecosystem and all members have a function.

Handpick pests off or use stick to knock off. Identify insects and start a garden insect collection.

Bring beneficial insects like lady bugs, lacewings, assassin bugs, and praying mantids in to help.

Welcome orb weaving garden spiders.

Natural Pest Control

Strong sprays of water can remove spider mites

and aphids Use insect vacuum cleaners for pest infestations Dish soap solutions deter some pests Use physical barriers like traps, nets, cages, collars Invite toads, frogs, lizards, birds and bats to garden Plant herbs among vegetables and flower beds Try homemade recipes like garlic and onion sprays,

pepper spray, or boiling water weed killer

Natural Pest Solutions

Remove debris from around and under plants Select plants best for your location, soil, and climate Give plants good air circulation Water at the roots not on the shoots or leaves Pinch off diseased parts and do not compost them Plant disease resistant varieties Delay planting certain crops until correct time Rotate crops yearly Schedule weekly “well visits” to the garden to

inspect health of plants

Cultural Practices to Deter Pests and

Diseases

All Gardens Beckon Insects to Be TherePesticides are nonselective. They do not just kill the “bad guys” but beneficials as well.