How to Make a Simple Planting Guide for Square Foot, Compact, Raised Bed Gardening

Mel Bartholomew, in the book "All New Square Foot Gardening" and in his PBS television series, popularized the concept of square foot gardening. Instead of single rows, vegetables are planted in beds according to optimum spacing for their needs. Ease of planting, less weeding and healthier plants are touted as benefits. You can create a grid to help space seeds and plants correctly.

Plastic, thin plywood, fiberglass

Tape measure

Drill

Hole saw

Straight edge

Marker

Set up two pieces of flat material, each measuring 2 by 2 feet: plastic, fiberglass, thin plywood or whatever you have handy. Mark one in a grid pattern with holes 3 inches apart and the other with the holes 4 inches apart. The one with holes 3 inches apart can work for plants 6 inches apart as well, and the one with 4-inch holes can double for plants 12 inches apart. The overall size may be larger or smaller than 2 by 2 feet, though that size also works well for beds that are larger or longer. You could also use sturdy fabric or plastic sheeting that can be rolled up for storage.

Drill 1-inch holes at each intersection of the grid with a hole saw.

Mark the guide with recommended spacing for various plants. On the 3-inch guide, list plants that should be spaced at 3, 6 and 12 inches. On the 4-inch guide, list plants that should be spaced at 4 and 12 inches.

Plant a seed in each appropriate hole, remove the guide and cover the seeds. For transplants, use the guide to mark each spot by digging an indentation with a trowel, remove the guide and plant the transplant. If your bed is longer or wider than the planting guide, reposition the guide as needed to cover the additional area.