Square Foot Gardening in an allotment?

[_Chris_]

I have finally got an allotment after being on the waiting list for a couple of years, needless to say we are very happy!

I'm planning on using the Square Foot Garden method to layout the plot, I think I could probably get more planted with more traditional methods, but I think this layout will be easiest to maintain for my first allotment.

I don't think I should be as intensive with the planting as they recommend(?). Mainly because I doubt there is the nutrient density at the allotment compared with a garden based 4x4 bed with 'purpose built' potting soil/feed.

So... I'm thinking that I can still use the principle, but plant a few less seeds in each square foot, so instead of the recommended 9 per sqft, I'd go with 4 or 5.

Just wondering if anyone has any hands on experience with this?

Also, I enjoyed an hour or so earlier designing the plot layout, not a great pic, but exciting for us non-the-less, it will be about 270 'sections', just need to decide what's going where now

[veggiechicken]

I'm sure you've seen this thread http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_44388.html, Chris, but if not, pull up a chair and make yourself comfy, you have a lot to read

[_Chris_]

That's perfect thank you! Just read through the first few pages and it looks like it's exactly what I'm trying to do

[Jonnyt]

The principle is exactly the same. Use the same number of plants no need to cut back.


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[Samurailord]

When I had just started my plot and only had a couple of beds to plant into I used the square foot gardening method very successfully.

Now I have lots more space I am finding it a bit of a pain to plant a small amount of a crop here and there, but I have deliberately left one bed as square foot for some of the crops that I will either harvest quickly (radish) or won't need lots of.

Andy

[Nicos]

19 foot beds are a pain to keep walking round!

I suggest you either make those central beds into 4 or maybe the better option of putting in some stepping stones half way along!

The idea of those beds is that you don't step on the soil....I would defy anyone to have the self control to walk all the way round rather than 'just nip across'

[Bigmallly]

I had 25ft beds & walked round them so there............

[Nicos]

That's cos you are superhuman!

[veggiechicken]

..............and tall enough to step over them

[Alison]

My main beds are all 10' by 4' which I find a very good size although I have some that are only 6' long which are pretty useful too

[Jarz]

I was very impressed when a chap working on a plot nearby (he is from a gardening club on the nearby estate) stopped by mine - wanting to know if we had a certain tool in the communal shed - pointed a finger at my efforts and said 'square foot gardening'.

'Well spotted!' I responded. He actually has an updated version of the book.

I also keep a paper record (in a graph book: makes it easier to mark out diagrams) of my sowings. Bound to forget otherwise. My friend bent down and said 'that's a weed, that's a weed', started pulling them out and I've cried 'hang on, they might be my parsnips!' That's because I have a plant label saying so. Pretty sure I transplanted from the greenhouse.

I'm terrible at differentiating between an actual plant or a weed, unless I have a plant marker right beside it.

[Bigmallly]

That's cos you are superhuman!

So true Nic, so true.................

[Nicos]

I'm terrible at differentiating between an actual plant or a weed, unless I have a plant marker right beside it.

Don't worry- I'm still trying to figure out seedlings...espesh flower ones!!

[Jarz]

Don't worry- I'm still trying to figure out seedlings...espesh flower ones!!

Phew!! Not just me then.

[Martin H]

My beds are about 12 feet by 4 feet in round numbers. It's okay but I wouldn't want them any longer, I'd get lazy and walk across the middle.