It's not really square foot gardening

HughStumpIII 3/17/2013, 5:50 pm

So, if you use 4' x 4' lengths, and rotate corners, it isn't square foot gardening, because you can't put the grids in on 12 inch centers, and even if you could, there would not be a 12" x 12" "square." So I built my 4' x 4' boxes, and have ordered the 4' x 4' grids from this site..but I know it won't end up right...am I missing something?

**llama momma** 3/17/2013, 6:06 pm

I rotate corners too. No, don't think it's a problem at all. Close enough is fine too! Welcome to the forum and hope you have the new All New Square Foot Gardening book, 2nd edition. It's not really square foot gardening 3170584802

It's not really square foot gardening 3170584802

**camprn** 3/17/2013, 9:08 pm

I just go with the 4' lumber and don't fret about a few inches. SO far it has worked pretty well for me. But I suppose if you use 4'1" long lumber you can get the 4x4 interior dimensions?

H_TX_2 3/18/2013, 12:43 pm

The plants will not refuse to grow because their square is just shy of 12x12 inches. I believe you can buy boards in 8' lengths and those are cheaper than longer boards so buy those and cut in half. I doubt anyone would say you don't have a SFG just because your squares are not exactly 12"x12".

quiltbea 3/18/2013, 12:48 pm

HughStump.....Welcome to the forum.
Close is good enough.

Hardcoir 3/18/2013, 1:32 pm

This same thought hit me when I first read the new book, and I chose not to use wood. That's why I use bricks in some squares plus a rock garden. We had several hundred bricks left over from a remodel, and they provide an excellent border for a SFG. The bricks and rock do not warp or decay in 5 years like untreated lumber, but then again, I occasionally have to replace a brick or that has fallen over, but the way I have them arranged, they always fall backwards outside the garden and never forwards onto any plants.

Also, we place rose bush cuttings on top of the brick and rock to discourage animals from climbing into the squares. We also drive our poles for our trellising in the outside corner bricks.

Our new brick square is actually 4 x 5 with 20 squares, because we had just enough leftover mix to increase it by 2 CF.

**RoOsTeR** 3/18/2013, 1:43 pm

Mel did this for simplicity sake. It's easy to go buy an 8' board and cut it in half. No measuring required Very Happy

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H_TX_2 3/18/2013, 2:00 pm

If this really bothers you then you have other options. I do know some people that get really into the details and specifics and this would drive them crazy not having their squares just right.

You could buy the 8' 2x6 boards and one 4x4. Cut the 8' in half and cut the 4x4 into 6" lengths. Use the 4x4 as your corners and connect the 2x6 boards to the 4x4 at each corner. The interior of your box will be 4'x4'. You would also have a box with a bit more craftsmanship to it.

**RoOsTeR** 3/18/2013, 2:52 pm

Like I said, it's for simplicity sake...and waste. I used to have a reply from Mel on this topic, but cant seem to find it at the moment.
Another option if this really bothers you, is to just buy longer 2x6 material...

CindiLou 3/18/2013, 3:56 pm

Rofl..yup, just go with the flow!
I did a 4x6 bed..turned out the outside measurements are 51"x72"..no idea what that makes the inside. It was 2" wood but I know it is not that rofl

I just divide and treat is like it is 4x6..plants like it just as well.

brainchasm 3/18/2013, 5:24 pm

My beds are 47" x 47".

My trellises are only 43" across, and 5'8" from dirt to top.

I don't think my plants will mind (though I may plant slightly few peas & cucumbers, since trellis space is at a bit of a premium).

**camprn** 3/18/2013, 5:43 pm

brainchasm wrote:My beds are 47" x 47".

My trellises are only 43" across, and 5'8" from dirt to top.

I don't think my plants will mind (though I may plant slightly few peas & cucumbers, since trellis space is at a bit of a premium).

Naw, plant all the way to the edge, the peas or cukes will catch on eventually. Wink

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