Beginner’s Guide to Square Foot Gardening:
Easy 6x3 Salad & Stir-Fry Garden Layout
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Square Foot Gardening (SFG) is a simple, efficient gardening method perfect for beginners. This technique maximizes yield in small spaces by dividing a garden bed into square-foot sections. Our easy 6x3 raised bed layout is ideal for growing fresh salad greens and stir-fry ingredients while saving space and minimizing maintenance.
What is Square Foot Gardening?
Square Foot Gardening (SFG) involves dividing a garden bed into 1-foot square sections to optimize planting and maximize space. This method reduces weeding, ensures efficient soil use, and simplifies crop rotation. A 6x3 raised bed is particularly well-suited for small spaces, making gardening accessible to urban and suburban gardeners alike.
Beginner-Friendly 6x3 Square Foot Garden Layout
| 🥕 Carrots (16) | 🥕 Carrots (16) | 🥬 Lettuce (4) | 🥬 Lettuce (4) | 🥦 Bok Choy (4) | 🥦 Bok Choy (4) |
| 🌱 Radish (16) | 🌱 Radish (16) | 🧅 Green Onion (16) | 🧅 Green Onion (16) | 🥬 Cabbage (1) | 🥬 Cabbage (1) |
| 🌿 Basil (4) | 🌿 Cilantro (4) | 🌶️ Bell Pepper (1) | 🌶️ Bell Pepper (1) | 🥒 Cucumber (1, trellis) | 🥒 Cucumber (1, trellis) |
Plants per Square Foot:
Carrots: 16 per square
Lettuce: 4 per square
Bok Choy: 4 per square
Radish: 16 per square
Green Onion: 16 per square
Cabbage: 1 per square
Basil & Cilantro: 4 per square
Bell Peppers: 1 per square
Cucumbers: 1 per square (grown on a trellis)
Why This Layout Works Well
✔️ Easy Access to Trellis: Cucumbers are placed at the far end for better support. ✔️ Fast Growth + Long-Term Crops: Quick-growing greens like lettuce and radishes grow alongside slower crops like cabbage and peppers. ✔️ High Yield in Small Space: Maximizes production with dense plantings. ✔️ Companion Planting: Basil near peppers, green onions near lettuce, and radishes with carrots support plant health.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting This Garden
1. Prepare Your Raised Bed:
Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Learn more on how I filled my raised beds - Upgrade Your Garden: Why Metal Raised Beds Are Better Than Pallet Wood Beds
2. Set Up Your Square Foot Grid:
Divide the 6x3 bed into 18 squares using wood slats or string.
3. Plant According to the Grid:
Follow the spacing guide to maximize your harvest.
Trellis cucumbers at the back for vertical growth.
4. Water & Mulch Properly:
Deep watering promotes strong root growth.
Use straw mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
5. Harvest & Replant:
Lettuce, radishes, and green onions can be harvested multiple times.
Rotate crops each season for healthy soil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Square Foot Gardening
❌ Overcrowding plants – Follow spacing guidelines for best growth. ❌ Ignoring soil health – Refresh compost each season. ❌ Not using vertical space – Always trellis vining crops. ❌ Inconsistent watering – Raised beds dry out faster, so monitor moisture levels.
