Square Foot Gardening

A square foot garden generally is a raised bed filled with good earth and compost mix so that packing and erosion from rain don’t affect your vegetables or small fruits. It can measure three feet wide or four feet if you prefer and as long as you want, since you can reach in from either side to plant, tend and harvest your crops. The height can vary from 6 inches to 12 inches depending on how deep you want your roots to grow.
A plant or seeds can be sown in each square foot depending on the habit of the plant you want to grow. For example lots of carrot seeds will fit into a square foot, but it may take several feet if you decide to grow a squash or pumpkin in it. The nice thing about this type of garden is that is easily tilled and watered and is accessible even for the handicapped.
In 2009 here at Ashcombe we had our first square foot garden made with 2 by 12 inch boards. A special corner piece holds the boards together. These can be purchased here or at a home improvement store.

We were amazed at the amount of fresh vegetables we were able to harvest all season long from our square foot garden and as early crops came out later ones were put in. The carrots lasted well into November and were very tasty. It was a very efficient way of growing our own. We later in the year planted three beds with strawberries that we hope to harvest in 2010 as well as raspberries and blueberries. Enjoy your own square foot garden in 2010.

When the lettuce comes out green or wax beans can be planted, later fall cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, another batch of lettuce and possibly fall radishes. It is amazing how much can be grown in a small space of say four feet by six feet. Since it is a raised bed, not as much stooping is required to tend to your plants.
This bed contains soil with a high amount of organic matter in it including some mushroom soil, cow manure and potting soils.

Gardens Galore:
Entrance to The American Garden June 1st 2010

Three year old Meyeri Ferns The Bridge at Ashcombe
Ashcombe devotes over an acre to their gardens showing what can be done with trees, shrubs and annuals in small spaces.
Stroll through our American Garden in front of Rockwells Inn and view the Butterfly, Bird, and Hummingbird, gardens. The arbor at its entrance shows off a beautiful pink climbing rose, a trellis with trumpet vines and silver lace vines, and picnic tables to enjoy a quiet lunch away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Annuals such as Cleome, Cannas, New Guinea Impatiens, Vinca and Blue Salvia color the borders along with shrubs and trees that compliment the quiet and serene surroundings.

Don’t miss the Children’s Gardens where educational themes with insects are displayed, Lady Beetles, Spiders, Praying Mantis, Bees etc designed with kids in mind. Also the Herb Garden where you’ll find many kinds of Herbs, including Basil. Rosemary. Sage, Parsley, Mints and more.

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS

Saturday, July 10th ~ Yard Sale. Beginning at 7:00am. Join us for this annual event.

Saturday, August 7th ~ Butterfly Day. Make plans to join us for this wonderful day that’s all about butterflies! We’ll have kid’s activities, a butterfly house, a butterfly gardening seminar, fun displays and a long-awaited butterfly release at noon. Call ahead to purchase your own butterfly to release. Deadline is July 8th. Ask for Kerri.

Saturday, August 21st ~ Dog Days. Grab your dog and join us for a morning of fun. We’ll have organizations offering dog adoption opportunities, vendors selling dog products, a jetset demonstration, dog wash and more! 8:00am-12noon.