Thoughts On My New SFG Layout

After putting in one 4’ x 8’ bed last fall I have increased my SFG to include a total of 5 4’ x 8’ beds and 1 2’ x 8’ bed 6: high. I also have a bed that I have grown tomatoes in for the last few years that is not currently on the plan. It is 30” x 16’ it is 16: high.

I have gone to Mother Earth News site and built the garden (see the pic below). I am looking for any thoughts on the location of the plants, should any be moved because of conflict or because they will grow better with other varieties, etc.

Any thoughts at all will be appreciated.

Here is a link to the published garden on their site
http://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/garden-plan.aspx?p=234083

Thanks
Rob

It would be helpful to know the direction this garden is... where is "north"?

MoneyMan94 wrote:...
Any thoughts at all will be appreciated.
...

Hi Rob,
On pg 112 of Mel Bartholomew's new book "All New Square Foot Gardening" (ANSFG) he writes, "Remember, plant each adjoining square foot with a different crop. Why? Here are several reasons: ..."
This is my 1st try with ANSFG and the new Mel's Mix (MM) and I'm trying to do it by the book. So far I like the approach.
Give it a look-see.
Lee

Windsor.......My personal experience: I've planted each square with a different crop and also adjoining in the last 3 years. I'm going to group them this year. My reasons: Easier to cover to warm the crop or protect from frost, to cover against pests during their specific pesty season, to shade against heat. Catering to 4 or 6 at a time is much simpler than doing each one individually. Also watering needs are easier met if there's a group together. Some plants need more water than others at different times during the growing season. Even if it's only 2 or 4 together in a small group and then some of the same in another bed, it works better for ME. Less bending, less work, less worry, easier control.

The only way to know which works best in any situation, is to try them both. That's how we learn what works best for us.

quiltbea wrote:Windsor.......My personal experience: I've planted each square with a different crop and also adjoining in the last 3 years. I'm going to group them this year. My reasons: Easier to cover to warm the crop or protect from frost, to cover against pests during their specific pesty season, to shade against heat. Catering to 4 or 6 at a time is much simpler than doing each one individually. Also watering needs are easier met if there's a group together. Some plants need more water than others at different times during the growing season. Even if it's only 2 or 4 together in a small group and then some of the same in another bed, it works better for ME. Less bending, less work, less worry, easier control.

The only way to know which works best in any situation, is to try them both. That's how we learn what works best for us.

and quiltbea!
You've gotta know that this ANSFG newbie appreciates the thoughtful insights you've shared from your experience! I won't forget.

Mel's "How Much to Plant" strikes home with me nonetheless, as my non-ANSFG approach has taught me how easy it is to over plant (and to under plant too)!
His approach notwithstanding, given serious shading of my garden, how to plant the right crops in the right places while still adhering to "the book" has me !

My experience tell me most brassicas and root crops do fairly well in a part shade providing that at some time of the day they can get sun if it is there.

In a shaded area not in full sun , if you run your lines of plants north to south they have a better chance of getting some sun on both sides of the plants