So this square foot gardening thing.......

[wildeyed]

I just got the book from the library and some of the plant spacings seem mighty tight. He says one tomato vine per square foot. Now admittedly, I don't keep up with the pruning very well, but at one plant per 18" last year, mine still got way out of bounds.

Other than that, it seems like a good system. the little squares make it easier for me to visualize a plan. Also, I tend to over plant, and with this system, that should be less of a problem.

[LiberalEsto]

1. Here's what I do

I think the instructions came from the Square Foot book or web site.

I got long pieces of inch-thick metal electrical conduit and 90 degree elbows to make high frames over the planting beds. Then I tied lengths of cotton clothesline from the crossbars, reaching down to the ground.

There's one rope for each tomato plant. As the plant grows, I wrap the clothesline around it in a spiral. The tomato plant grows up the rope, using it as a support. No wood or metal stakes are needed. You pinch off the side shoots as they appear. Last year I had a half dozen tomato plants that were 7 feet high, growing on ropes.

I've done the same with cucumbers and pole beans. The vegetables are easy to harvest, and it's easier to spot and pick off insect pests. I tried it with a mini watermelon two years ago but had to create slings to support the melons.

Hope this helps!

[momto3]

2. Wow - what a great idea.

I think I will need to try this. Thanks.

[LiberalEsto]

3. Here's a link

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/sqfoot/2003115737000473.html

[momto3]

4. Thanks!

[plantwomyn]

5. Determinate tomato varieties help too.

They grow more compact and shorter. Check you plant tags or seed pack for sizes. Also the square foot method "crowds out" weeds!

[wildeyed]

6. I will try putting the huge beasts 2 plants per 3 feet

and the more petite growers 3 per 3 feet. Keeping up with the pruning isn't a bad idea, either......

[K8-EEE]

7. I'm trying it this year too!

oh gak, I read about it on this forum and went to the SFG website, I'm in L.A. and gotta get this stuff in the ground, it's 85 degrees and already getting too hot!

Soooo.....basically I got a 4 X 8 foot space set up like two 4 X 4 squares, one 12" deep & one 6" deep....16 squares each, making a a grid with stakes and strings boy it looks CROWDED compared to how I usually do it, ordering the book but by the time it gets here all my mistakes will be made, LOL.

[bklyncowgirl]

8. I'm trying it this year too. Don't know about the 12" tomato spacing though

I'll give it a shot, though. If I can keep up with the pruning it should work.

So far my transplanted lettuce and broccoli are doing well.