A Fun and Easy Small Space Garden Solution

Growing plants in a simple raised bed is also known as intensive or friendship gardening. This style of growing is based on the idea that some plants like to grow close together and do better when planted this way. A simple box garden is a raised bed with 4, 8, or 16 x 1’ growing boxes that allow crops to be planted in succession throughout the growing season. This type of gardening makes growing food for yourself and your entire family easy.

Read on to discover reasons why box gardening is a great idea and discover one of my favorite box garden themes.

Convenience

Box gardening can be done in a very small space, making it convenient for anyone to grow food. Even if you live in an apartment with a tiny patio or a small yard, you can have a robust garden. If you have always been too busy to tend a garden, a box style is a great choice for you because it is easy to manage. There are fewer weeds, and those that appear are much easier to pull out because the soil is not packed hard by foot traffic.

Economics

When you grow a conventional row garden, there tends to be a lot of waste. Nothing goes to waste with box gardening, and each box of robust crops provides more than enough food to feed a small family. You won’t miss the expenses and pollutants associated with conventional gardens, such as irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. With this zero-waste garden model, you will use all you grow!

Accessibility

One of the great things about box gardening is that anyone can
do it. This form of gardening makes it easy for the young or old to grow a bountiful harvest. Gardens can be adapted and raised so that those with back or knee problems or in a wheelchair can also enjoy gardening.

Portability

The simple design of box gardens makes it easy to pick up and move. If you are interested in moving a conventional garden, finding a new location and creating a suitable growing space takes quite a bit of effort.

Health

Not only is growing your own produce great for your physical health, but solid research supports the fact that tending a garden has a host of therapeutic benefits, which are enhanced by the fact that planting a box garden is so easy. Spending just a little time each day caring for your garden is relaxing and can reduce stress after a hard day’s work.

Extended Growing Season

Box gardens are raised slightly above the ground, sometimes quite a bit above the ground. This creates favorable growing conditions for plants, which allows you to enjoy a fresh harvest long after conventional gardens have petered out for the season.

Better Soil

Conventional gardening soil often requires extensive amending and monitoring to get just right. One of the best things about square box gardening is that you can control the quality of the planting medium from the very beginning, and keeping it healthy is pretty easy. Creating your own “best” soil mixture will give your plants everything they need to be healthy and productive.

Fewer Weeds, Pests and Diseases

Box gardens (especially elevated gardens) are safe from weeds, ground-dwelling pests, and soil-borne fungal diseases, making maintenance even easier. There is no need for back-breaking weed pulling or dangerous pesticides or herbicides.

Environmentally Friendly

Growing your food is environmentally friendly. A tremendous amount of fuel is used to harvest, store, and transport produce
to your local grocery store, not to mention all the waste used for packaging. Growing your own food provides you and your family with fresh ingredients and reduces your carbon footprint. Now that’s something you can feel good about.

You Can “Can It” Garden

This box garden is loaded with fresh produce that lends itself well to canning. There is nothing quite so rewarding as enjoying your garden harvest all year. Canning is one timeless way to preserve fruits and veggies so you can experience their fresh taste even in the dead of winter.

Box Type: 4’x4’ Planting Boxes: 16

Plants:

Nantes Scarlet Half Long Carrots – 8 plants per box, 2 boxes
Southport White Globe Onion – 8 plants per box, 2 boxes
Brandywine Tomato – 1 plants per box, 2 boxes
Long Green Cucumber – 1 plants per box, 3 boxes
Bush Bean – 4 plants per box, 3 boxes
Bullose Sweet Pepper – 1 plant per box, 1 box
Dukat Dill – 1 plant per box, 1 box
Detroit Dark Red Beats – 8 plants per box, 8 boxes

Canning 101

Canning isn’t just for your grandmother. Follow these simple steps to preserve your produce and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. This waterbath method is incredibly easy and you don’t need any special equipment. Let’s get started!

Fill your canning pot about halfway with water on the stove. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. This process will take a while, so it is good to get started early
Use only the best produce. No slightly mushy beets or spotty tomatoes should make the cut. Use your best judgment and select veggies that are worth canning. Enjoy the rest fresh.
Wash the jars. Even if they seem clean, wash them again with warm soapy water or run them through the dishwasher. Rinse the lids and bands by hand.
Sterilize the jars by submerging them in your canning pot for at least 15 minutes. Place lids in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them.
Follow your desired canning recipe and fill your jars, leaving headspace as recommended by the recipe between the lid and the vegetables. Screw the lid on tightly.
A jar lifter is helpful for submerging the jars in water and avoiding burning your fingers.
Place the jar in the canner, ensuring that it is covered by at least 2 inches of water. Place the lid on the canner and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for the amount of time indicated in the recipe, then turn off the heat and remove the lid.
Allow the jars to rest in the canner for at least five minutes and then leave them at room temperature for 12-24 hours. Do not disturb the jars or try to adjust the lids.
Inspect the lid for seals. There should be no flex when the center is pressed in.
Store for up to 18 months in a cool, dark place.