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

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.