Search
Latest topics
» Sourdough Starterby Jjean59 Today at 9:51 am
» need specific advice on MM
by plantoid Yesterday at 6:43 pm
» Senseless Banter...
by OhioGardener 3/22/2023, 8:11 pm
» After harvest, leave the roots in or remove
by Mikesgardn 3/22/2023, 7:53 pm
» Greenhouse - Helpful Hints in Setting up a Wood-Framed Greenhouse
by Scorpio Rising 3/22/2023, 7:46 pm
» Sifted Peat
by danieggert 3/22/2023, 4:21 pm
» Best choice of pot to plant my seedling
by markqz 3/22/2023, 1:30 pm
» Responding to a specific post
by OhioGardener 3/22/2023, 9:55 am
» N&C Midwest: March & April 2023
by Scorpio Rising 3/21/2023, 10:17 pm
» Kiwi's SFG Adventure
by sanderson 3/21/2023, 9:00 pm
» Think Spring 2023
by MrBooker 3/20/2023, 7:59 am
» Sifting Compost for Newbies
by sanderson 3/20/2023, 3:47 am
» Too cold to put my new MM into my raised beds?? and Facebook SFG site
by sanderson 3/20/2023, 3:39 am
» Harvesting small amounts from iceberg lettuce, caulliflower, broccoli, cabbage etc.
by sanderson 3/20/2023, 3:37 am
» Indoor seed starting question
by sanderson 3/20/2023, 3:19 am
» Epsom salts for your veggie garden??
by sanderson 3/19/2023, 11:37 pm
» seed starting Mel's way
by bigtoad 3/17/2023, 9:26 pm
» shop lights vs grow lights
by sanderson 3/17/2023, 1:53 am
» trellis netting square size
by sanderson 3/16/2023, 10:45 pm
» Ohio Gardener's Greenhouse
by OhioGardener 3/16/2023, 5:20 pm
» Raised Beds from 48" Culvert
by wargarden2017 3/16/2023, 11:19 am
» Baby Pools as Beds?!
by Jjean59 3/15/2023, 3:54 pm
» March: What to plant in Northern California and Central Valley areas
by sanderson 3/15/2023, 3:52 pm
» So. California & Inland Valleys -March / April Planting Guide
by sanderson 3/15/2023, 2:22 pm
» Biosolids / Humanure Compost?
by OhioGardener 3/14/2023, 1:45 pm
» Hello Form the Bitterroot Valley of Montana
by sanderson 3/14/2023, 4:52 am
» Renewing Mel's Mix
by anne 3/13/2023, 8:16 pm
» help refuting a raised bed critic
by sanderson 3/13/2023, 2:26 pm
» Associations of time spent gardening with mental wellbeing and life satisfaction in Mid-to-late adulthood
by OhioGardener 3/13/2023, 9:04 am
» Hello from the north end of the Bitterroot Valley, Montana
by sanderson 3/13/2023, 5:05 am
Google
Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
+28
Luvslions
ispinwool
toledobend
mollyhespra
Yardslave
kygardener
SQWIB
No_Such_Reality
Roseinarosecity
BlackjackWidow
Kelejan
jimmy cee
Scorpio Rising
kamigh
CapeCoddess
Kate888
crankyoldman
PNG_Grandma
has55
camprn
liam1027
Turan
AtlantaMarie
farmersgranddaughter
yolos
countrynaturals
trolleydriver
sanderson
32 posters
Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
How much can a city person grow when they have a small lot? I started out with 4 small beds totaling 28 square feet. Roots from trees, bushes and roses quickly came up in the Mel's Mix despite the weed fabric. All of the beds were modified with plywood bottoms and raised off the ground a year after I started gardening. Pretty soon there were beds where ever they could be placed in sunshine. I also squeezed in a composting area. There are now 133 sq. ft. of beds tucked here and there. Two storage totes for sweet potatoes, a 1' x 50' strip of heavily amended dirt, and several 5-gallon buckets and large pots brings the "square footage" up to 200!
This is the time of the year when all of the beds are visible. Most of the winter crops have been removed and the bridal tulle washed and put away until October. First photo is shot from the back covered patio, in a south-east direction. Garlic is the only crop growing in this photo.
Second photo is shot from the back patio in a straight south direction.
Third photo is shot from the back patio in a SSW direction. In the upper right is a 2' x 4' bed that I have not been able to use for 2 years because of the neighbor's trees. The trees have been removed and I'm excited to have these 8 sq. ft. back in use.
Fourth photo is shot in the SW corner where the 3' x 3 ' 3' compost bin, Lifetime 80-gallon tumbler composter and orange tree are located. The plants on the lawn are spent broccoli and cauliflower plants that I removed from the bed. I'm trying to kill the invasive light colored grass in this area. Guess one could say they are being repurposed!
Fifth photo shows the beds and trellises along the west fence. There are 9 trellises 2' x 7-8' for melons and winter squash.
Last photo is the amended strip of dirt back on the east side. There are also two 1' x 3' doubled trellised beds for beans and peas. Five of the white tomato buckets are are visible. Those scraggly hanging planters didn't work in the hot winds. The plastic liners broke down, the coir mats shrunk and the birds have helped themselves to the coir for building nests.
This is the time of the year when all of the beds are visible. Most of the winter crops have been removed and the bridal tulle washed and put away until October. First photo is shot from the back covered patio, in a south-east direction. Garlic is the only crop growing in this photo.

Second photo is shot from the back patio in a straight south direction.

Third photo is shot from the back patio in a SSW direction. In the upper right is a 2' x 4' bed that I have not been able to use for 2 years because of the neighbor's trees. The trees have been removed and I'm excited to have these 8 sq. ft. back in use.

Fourth photo is shot in the SW corner where the 3' x 3 ' 3' compost bin, Lifetime 80-gallon tumbler composter and orange tree are located. The plants on the lawn are spent broccoli and cauliflower plants that I removed from the bed. I'm trying to kill the invasive light colored grass in this area. Guess one could say they are being repurposed!

Fifth photo shows the beds and trellises along the west fence. There are 9 trellises 2' x 7-8' for melons and winter squash.

Last photo is the amended strip of dirt back on the east side. There are also two 1' x 3' doubled trellised beds for beans and peas. Five of the white tomato buckets are are visible. Those scraggly hanging planters didn't work in the hot winds. The plastic liners broke down, the coir mats shrunk and the birds have helped themselves to the coir for building nests.

Hip2B likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
sanderson ... thank you for the tour of your garden. You have packed in so much and it is an inspiration to others. In addition you have helped so many other SFGers including me. I hereby declare you the SFG Queen.


trolleydriver
Forum Moderator-
Posts : 5373
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 75
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hip2B likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Migosh, S. All that and you still have room for lawn?
Thanks for the reminder about bird nests. It's time to replenish the basket of yarn scraps we hang on the fence every spring.

Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
I will leave some baskets with secured coir mat. Must remember our feathered friends.
The lawn has a micro cooling effect during the summer.

Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Perfect. Your Canada Crook Necks should do well with all of that sunshine pouring in.
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator-
Posts : 5373
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 75
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Hummm. I was thinking the melons could go there since the cucumbers have been doing good in the bed to the left with the PVC trellis. Move the winter squash to the melon bed. Plant xx in the winter squash bed. . .

Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
I know you are glad to see those trees taken down. Much more sunlight to come but will it be too hot without the shade. You have managed to fit a lot of growing space in a small area. I agree with TD, SFG Queen and number one helper to all of us.
yolos-
Posts : 4151
Join date : 2011-11-20
Age : 73
Location : Brooks, Ga Zone 7B/8A
Hip2B likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Yes, it will be hot, especially the heat after the Summer Solstice. July, August and even September are deadly. I will be adding some more sun shade, maybe only 50%. Maybe in a hop scotch pattern so the grass will live. Stay tune. . .

Triciasgarden likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Wow! How many years have you been working on your garden? It's very well organized. Thanks so much for sharing photos!
farmersgranddaughter-
Posts : 107
Join date : 2018-01-15
Age : 62
Location : Arkansas Zone 6b
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Thank, FGD. Five years to the month.
Triciasgarden likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
What a huge difference those trees made... Happy for you!
Triciasgarden likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
200 sqft? WOW. It is amazing how much you manage to grow in your space.

Turan-
Posts : 2603
Join date : 2012-03-29
Location : Gallatin Valley, Montana, Intermountain zone 4
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
+1Turan wrote:200 sqft? WOW. It is amazing how much you manage to grow in your space.
![]()
trolleydriver
Forum Moderator-
Posts : 5373
Join date : 2015-05-04
Age : 75
Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Wow what a great set up. Thanks for sharing!
I ripped up a number of bushes, including rose, to make space for my new beds. I intended to put hardware mesh on the bottom as well as fabric, but now I'm rethinking that. Will that be enough or should I put 1/4" plywood?
I ripped up a number of bushes, including rose, to make space for my new beds. I intended to put hardware mesh on the bottom as well as fabric, but now I'm rethinking that. Will that be enough or should I put 1/4" plywood?
liam1027- Posts : 3
Join date : 2018-03-11
Location : New York
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Looking great!


43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
+2. beautiful,inspirational.trolleydriver wrote:+1Turan wrote:200 sqft? WOW. It is amazing how much you manage to grow in your space.
![]()
has55- Posts : 2371
Join date : 2012-05-10
Location : Denton, tx
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Thanks for sharing your garden space! Five years - where has the time gone?! Looking so good down the road from us!


PNG_Grandma-
Posts : 297
Join date : 2010-06-20
Age : 75
Location : Modesto CA, Central Valley, USDA Zone 9b, Sunset 14, AHS Heat Zone 8, whew!
Triciasgarden likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Are you thinking that roots from nearby roses and bushes will come up underneath the beds? In that case, the only way to prevent it is a plywood bottom and elevation off the ground to create an airspace.liam1027 wrote:Wow what a great set up. Thanks for sharing!
I ripped up a number of bushes, including rose, to make space for my new beds. I intended to put hardware mesh on the bottom as well as fabric, but now I'm rethinking that. Will that be enough or should I put 1/4" plywood?

Triciasgarden likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Hey there - Hi back to you both!! It's been too long, but so nice to see all of the "old" friends again here in the posts!
I just posted an update to our Apollo Garden
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t2996p250-modesto-central-valley-ca#278046
I miss being out in the garden but the older I get (just turned 70) the more my allergies keep me indoors. The warm weather last month made too many things bloom way too soon, now the winds are causing the pollen to fly everywhere! Even Al has some issues with the same thing this year. I know, we could wear masks, but we don't.
There are windows on all sides of our house so being indoors isn't all that bad.
Time to start some seeds - I think I caught that wonderful gardening "bug" again seeing all your beautiful pics of your garden!

I just posted an update to our Apollo Garden
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t2996p250-modesto-central-valley-ca#278046
I miss being out in the garden but the older I get (just turned 70) the more my allergies keep me indoors. The warm weather last month made too many things bloom way too soon, now the winds are causing the pollen to fly everywhere! Even Al has some issues with the same thing this year. I know, we could wear masks, but we don't.
There are windows on all sides of our house so being indoors isn't all that bad.
Time to start some seeds - I think I caught that wonderful gardening "bug" again seeing all your beautiful pics of your garden!

PNG_Grandma-
Posts : 297
Join date : 2010-06-20
Age : 75
Location : Modesto CA, Central Valley, USDA Zone 9b, Sunset 14, AHS Heat Zone 8, whew!
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
It's good to hear from old friends. I still use your monthly planting guides. (I take it with a grain of salt for planting any "cool weather" plants.) 

Love the function over form
My wife would hate your garden, she would say everything is not neat, tidy and matching. Myself, I love what I see, functional gardens. Many people who garden do not understand that a cabbage or cauliflower cares not about how its home appears and tastes great even if the garden bed will not win a Home Beautiful prize.
You have a great garden!
You have a great garden!
crankyoldman- Posts : 21
Join date : 2014-07-14
Location : Phoenix, AZ
Hip2B likes this post
Re: Sanderson's Urban SFG in Fresno, California
Cranky, it is quite a mish-mash as it was built up one box at a time. I call it the "winter uglies" at this time of the year. Come early fall, there is so much plant life that I have a hard time moving around.
Hip2B likes this post
Page 1 of 10 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

» Hi from Fresno, California
» Need help in applying SFG to a yard for a wedding.
» Crazy weather - Fresno, CA
» Urban Updates
» Hello from my new urban garden...
» Need help in applying SFG to a yard for a wedding.
» Crazy weather - Fresno, CA
» Urban Updates
» Hello from my new urban garden...
Page 1 of 10
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum