HELP! First-timer needs help with dimensions

I am preparing to put in my first SFG. I am trying to decide whether to build six 4x4 boxes or four 4x8 boxes, and whether to go with 2-ft or 3-ft paths between them. The garden will be fenced. What are your thoughts?

Thanks

I have some long beds. The main concern is trellis space. In an 8' (or longer) there isn't a way to reach around the sides, and reach the middle plants. A 4x8 is fine, but only put a trellis on 4' of the bed.

I would go for 3' paths. Plants will spill out the sides, and you have to be able to walk between. Mine are 5' and there are times I can't get a wheelbarrow between them.

Definitely go with 3 foot aisles. I'm quoting myself from a post a couple days ago.

[quote[It wasn't until boxes 13 and 14 that I finally made 4x4 boxes. All my boxes to date had been oddball sizes based on the used materials I had on hand. If I was starting from scratch and buying materials, I would make nearly all of them 4x4 because the uniformity makes them more versatile. It makes it easier and more efficient to use plastic for extending seasons, or shade cloth, or bug netting. I'm at the point where I think of the number of boxes, rather than squares for some veggies. For instance, I grow one box of carrots, three boxes of broccoli, and 1½ boxes of onions.

The exception would be 1x4 boxes for trellised plants. If a trellis is on a 4x4 box already, I can set the 1x4 along side the box and use the trellis from both sides. Or I can set up trellises independently of boxes wherever I want them, and then pick up and move the 1x4s to the trellis.[/quote]

Ditto on 3 foot aisles. If it is fenced, can the fencing double as trellis? If so you may want some 2 X whatevers along the northern fence.

Square foot gardening tends to be addictive. I think it's a good idea to make room inside the fence to allow for expansion if so desired. Also, it's a good idea to line up the materials for Mel's Mix in advance. As for size & number of boxes, 4'x4' boxes is probably the SFG ideal. While I have larger boxes outside the garden fence, it's a daunting task to fill a large box with MM. I also use 2'x4' and 3'x4' boxes that are immediately adjacent to the fence for ease of access.

Tom

Thank you all for your answers. As a new guy this has been very helpful.

Thanks again.