With every summer comes a new opportunity to experiment and have fun in your garden. Whether you are switching crops this year or going a completely new route with your flowers and plants, the summer light and heat give us a chance to be outside and try new things.
One experiment that may be worth trying, especially for those with limited space, is called the square foot garden. It gives you an opportunity to test a handful of different plants in a very efficient way. In this post, we’ll discuss what a square foot garden is and what flowers would be perfect for each box, everything from lilies to roses.
Square foot garden review
The square foot garden was invented in 1981 by Mel Bartholomew. Compared to a row style raised bed garden, the square foot garden allows gardeners in small living spaces such as condos, apartments and townhouses to still be able to grow a variety of plants on their property. A square foot raised bed garden can come in a variety of sizes depending on where the raised bed garden will be located and the amount of space available.
Common sizes are 2×4 feet, 4×4 feet, and 4×8 feet. A depth of 6-inches should be adequate for a variety of growing needs. If your raised bed garden will contain many vegetables, a depth of 12 inches will suffice. A large percentage of vegetables tend to send out deep roots, so if the roots for your plants are unable to send out roots into the ground beneath your raised bed you will want to keep this in mind. The location of your square foot Garden will be an important factor. You need sun! To ensure your plants are receiving enough sunlight, use one of the best PAR meters to measure the range of light it receives in that area. Putting your garden in too much shade will almost guarantee that it won’t grow to its full potential.
What you will need
Starting a raised bed garden will only require 4 2×4 blocks and premade corners. Pre-made corners can be purchased from a variety of places online for as low as 20$, or you can use old castle blocks for your corners as a cheap alternative. Each section will need to be divided into squares that are 1ft x 1ft. Your new garden can be used for growing your own food or attracting wildlife. There are numerous flowers you can add to your garden to attract and help pollinators like the honeybee that are slowly declining in numbers. Honey Bee hives are experiencing losses as drastic as 50- 90% in the U.S. As you look out at your square foot garden, you can feel good knowing that you are saving the planet. Here are a few flowers that will do great in a square-foot garden.
1. Dwarf varieties of Lavender
While some varieties of lavender can grow to be 4 feet tall or taller, dwarf varieties of lavender max out at 2 feet. Some examples of Dwarf Lavender include Lavandula angustifolia, Loddon blue and Rosacea. Lavender will make a fragrant addition to your garden. The uses for lavender around your house are vast. Dried lavender can be used to make a fragrant carpet powder or to make a fragrant bath additive. As a perennial that can last for several years, you can expect to see your lavender plant blooming year after year. Lavender requires very little maintenance but you will want to keep your planting location in mind. Full sun for at least 6 hours of the day is the best-growing condition for this flower. For cooler locations like Wisconsin, an English variety of lavender will thrive.
2. Phlox Flowers
Phlox flowers are another wonderful perennial that will attract pollinators such as butterflies. This variety of flowers can sometimes experience problems with powdery mold, but there are varieties that have been created specifically to be resistant to powdery mold. Phlox flowers are short for the most part, making them a great addition to a square foot garden. This plant does best in full sun but partial shade can be tolerated. Depending on the variety you choose, phlox flowers can be planted in a location that does not experience sun all day. Phlox flowers shiver up once the first frost occurs and will need to be cut down every winter. These flowers are hardy for the most part, but will not tolerate dry soil. When maintained properly you expect these flowers to come back year after year.
3. Balloon flower
The hummingbirds in your garden will love your balloon flowers. These flowers have a unique shape that resembles a balloon or an inflated bag. A native of Asia, the balloon flower requires soil that drains well. Balloon flowers can be started from seed in the spring and will bloom during the first year in your garden. This unique flower can be used as a tea or the roots can be dried and used for anti-inflammatory and digestive purposes. Balloon flowers max out in height at 2 feet for the most part, but there are dwarf varieties that only reach about 6 inches. These flowers are easy to propagate from seed or cutting. In the winter a layer of mulch to keep your balloon flower warm will ensure that these flowers come back year after year.
4. Potted Marigold
Potted Marigold flowers can be used to make nutritious tea that is great for detoxing. Growing from seed is an easy process with this type of flower. When the potted Marigold blooms you will have a dazzling show of orange, yellow and possibly red. You can also use your own homemade compost to give your Marigold an extra pop in its growth during the summer.
5. Jasmine
Jasmine flowers are known for their tiny, normally, white buds. To add a fragrant note to your garden, Jasmine makes a great addition to a square foot garden. Dwarf varieties of jasmine can be used, or even the vining variety. A trellis will be required for the vining type, and a vivid imagination. Some varieties of jasmine are evergreens and can be used to add color to your garden all year round. Jasmines are low-maintenance plants for the most part and will require very little watering or attention.
6. Miniature Roses
Full-size roses are not a great addition to a square foot garden, but miniature roses are. Miniature roses just like their full-size sibling are hardy and will do best in full sun. Miniature roses normally max out in height at 2 feet. There are a variety of choices when it comes to miniature roses. A trailing type can be planted and used to decorate a trellis. With just a little care and love, you can expect your miniature rose to add flare to your square foot garden year after year.