In March, I wrote about the creation of my newest garden space, a raised bed planted using the square-foot method (of planting in 1′ squares). I’m happy to report that the garden, so far, is a success – turning out early producers spinach, radishes, and arugula.
Left to right, top to bottom: ‘Easter Egg II’ radish, ‘Sugar Loaf’ radicchio, ‘Tyee’ spinach, ‘Red Sails’ lettuce, ‘Tyee’ spinach, arugula, ‘Garden Babies’ butterhead lettuce, arugula, and ‘Amish Deer Tongue’.
Obviously, the lettuces and radicchio, planted later, are further behind. But what’s funny to me about this photo is that it shows what happens when you let a toddler sow seeds. There’s no careful, one-at-a-time seed placement. Handfuls: that’s Lila’s strategy.
What I’m loving right now is the arugula. Forget salads: cook up some orzo or capellini, and toss in a few handfuls of arugula after draining. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Toss until the arugula is wilted. Simple, and lovely.
Love this! I started my first garden this year… and realized a week later I should’ve done it in the square foot method. next year!
But I do have LOTS of arugula growing and I was wondering if I need to thin it… its not as crowded as yours, but pretty dense…. any advice?
Yum. I didn’t plant any arugula this year but maybe it’ll have to go on my list for next year. I live in Chicago and our ground temperature is still pretty low…I’m hesitant to plant anything right now. Love the square foot!
I have been doing the square foot thing for some time now. It is a wonderful method for limited space and allows a person to grow a good variety of things.
My boyfriend and I *just* made some orzo with wilted arugula the other night! Your square foot beds are looking fantastic — very pretty radishes!! I love that the cotyledons are still looking vibrant and heart-like.
Brooke – I like this method, too. So pretty, yet practical. My arugula is really wedged in there, and it’s doing fine. I think the secret is to harvest early and often – before it either gets bitter and woody, or bolts. And in harvesting, you’re also thinning out your crop. Awesome!
Noodles and Waffles (love that name) – Try arugula! It’s super tolerant of cold weather. Probably even Chicago-level cold!
Rob – Good to hear. I’m liking it so far, and it’s rare you hear anything against square foot gardening.
Eliza – I love that you noticed the heart-shaped cotyledons! And that you called them cotyledons! A girl after my own heart. (Seed leaves, for the uninitiated.)
I am planting radicchio for the first time in my square foot garden. How many did you plant per square? Any tips on growing it?
Also, when you harvest your arugula, do you just cut off the outer leaves so that it keeps growing?