Square-foot cooking
Square-foot gardening, the inspiration of Mel Bartholomew, is the way to go for all gardeners, I think, but especially beginners.
The civil engineer-turned-gardener came up with the space-saving idea of dividing a raised bed into square-foot grids and planting in each grid. There is ease as well as increased productivity in his method.
He has written two books and established a Web site to explain his method, and now Bartholomew has published a square-foot cookbook to go with his square-foot gardening book: "All New Square Foot Gardening Cookbook."
I have three copies of his new cookbook and I'd love to share. I will randomly select from among those posting comments and send out the books. Get typing!
Comments
What a great idea! I have used his methods since the 1970s, first in Charles Village, then out on more than an acre in the country, and now back in the City again using six 4x4 beds. A cookbook that follows the progression of crops makes a lot of sense.
Posted by: City Redux | February 19, 2010 11:27 AM
I started square foot gardening last year and I couldn't believe how successful it was. My tomato plants were HUGE and everything I planted did really well. This year I'm going to put the tomatoes and cucumbers in a separate box because they kind of overshadowed my smaller plants last year. Weeds were at a minimum and the whole experience was great. I can't wait to start building more beds.
Buy Mel's second book and try it out. You will not be disappointed. Also, Harford County provides free compost which I used for my beds. Check your county to see if compost is available.
Posted by: Suzanne | February 19, 2010 11:46 AM
Thank you for the opportunity for this drawing. I have been thinking of making such a vegetable garden. I like the idea of square foot gardening and with my limited yard, would be the best thing for me to try.
Posted by: Tara | February 19, 2010 2:28 PM
Suzanne, I am so glad to hear you using the Harford County compost. The yard waste composting facility was the pride and joy of my late husband who used to be Chief of Solid Waste for Harford County. I also have square foot VHS videos (soon there probably won't be anything left to play them on, I guess)
At least they aren't Beta!--Susan
Posted by: City Redux | February 19, 2010 4:07 PM
I have a small garden space and I need to think carefully about every square foot and the best way to use it. It is very productive. I am always looking for ways to use my fresh produce!
Posted by: Marc Svenby | February 19, 2010 6:15 PM
The advantages of square foot gardening grow as quickly as the vegetables. It is a great way to garden.
Posted by: Jackie DiGiovanni | February 19, 2010 6:17 PM
What a great idea! Celebration gardens. Love it.
Posted by: Mary Lou | February 19, 2010 6:29 PM
Oh this is a good idea. I know a lot of people get excited about growing their own food, then don't know what the heck to do with it once they harvest. I have a copy of his gardening book and would be interested to see the cookbook. Danke.
Posted by: Vanessa R | February 19, 2010 6:33 PM
I would love to have a copy of the book. We have a large garden and always get trapped in it.
Posted by: NotableM | February 19, 2010 9:12 PM
Thank you for providing opportunities for your followers to get free books! You can never have enough and I am actually looking to see how this technique might be combined with my companion gardening.
Posted by: Noelle | February 20, 2010 9:55 PM