Maximum Yield USA August 2017 | Page 105

A SFG is pretty distinctive. It’s made up of an elevated box frame filled with a nutrient-rich media and outfitted with a gridded overlay. This frame can be made of wood, vinyl, cinder block, or stone. Basic units are available prefab- ricated, or they can be cobbled together in an afternoon from 1x6-inch untreated wood, deck screws, and lath strips. The most popular overall size is 4x4 feet, with a height of six inches, but that can vary. Since an adult has an arm’s reach of about two feet, a 4x4-foot frame would allow for access from all four sides. For a frame with limited access, such as one positioned against a wall or fence, the width would max out at two feet. You get the idea. Although the width is limited, the potential length of a SFG isn’t. Frames of 4x8 feet and 4x12 feet are also popular. Many square foot gardeners use multiple box frames. “ You’ll notice the height of a normal box frame is only six inches. That’s not a typo. Since the media provides all the nutrition plants need, hungry roots don’t have to dig deep to find sustenance.” 4’ The Frame The basic principle is to create a frame that can be separated into 12x12-inch squares using lath strips, rope, or other materials. Each square defines the growing space for an individual plant variety. A classic 4x4-foot SFG frame contains 16 growing squares. You’ll notice the height of a normal box frame is only six inches. That’s not a typo. Since the media provides all the nutrition plants need, hungry roots don’t have to dig deep to find sustenance. The exceptions are root crops, like potatoes and carrots, which will need a box height of eight to 10 inches. This height factor is one of the most controversial aspects of square foot gardening. grow cycle 103