Day: March 28, 2025

Square Foot Gardening | 4th Edition

Square Foot Gardening Review

It is hard to believe that the first edition of Square Food Gardening was published in 1981 by Mel Bartholomew. I always wanted a copy of this book as I began growing more edibles during my early blogging years ( 2008 ). Mel’s book became the largest selling gardening book of all time with over 3 million copies sold. I am thrilled to have the new 4th edition to review and share with you today. Square Foot Gardening Book Review No digging, tilling, fertilizing, machinery, or heavy tools required—resulting in less watering, waste, and weeding! In All New! Square Foot Gardening, 4th Edition, uncover the reliable gardening technique that has enabled countless gardeners worldwide to grow their own organic vegetables using less space, with minimal effort, and at a lower cost than conventional row gardens. https://youtu.be/SPxY_rj–3o The video feature on my blog today is from my Bren Haas YouTube Channel.  If you subscribe to my channel be sure to bookmark my website where you will get all the latest information on more reviews and creative living adventures. Square Foot Gardening | 4th Edition Highlights Basic Principles in Colorful Photography The introduction and tribute to the original author and creator of the square foot gardening technique or way of life : is important to know. Mel Bartholomew began his journey in gardening when he retired in the mid-70’s. The book was published in 1981. Today you can sign up for online courses and learn more from the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. I love a good book that is easy to read and LOADED with detailed yet current images. This publication has all that! SFG with all its time tested techniques in detail color photos on every chapter page. You can’t help but get inspired to grow a garden or something new in this way after flipping through the 272 page publication. The structures and accessories they share are amazing. I really like the cover design for the raised bed featured on page 32. Trellis work and adding a square foot garden to your back deck are inspiring. The book includes everything from building the easy raised bed layout to how to harvest. Not sure where to begin? Find crop and plant with seed starting details in the planning and planting chart section ( 12 page ) . There is also a harvest readiness chart (10 pages) in the back of the book that is AWESOME – showing vegetables that are available at most garden centers or seed providers online. Handy Paperback Book For Gardeners Consider getting this publication to add to your gardening adventure please use my Amazon Amazon – https://amzn.to/43wmcc. A small portion of that sale goes to me which helps fund my blog and other reviews.  Thank you for your support. For more information about the Square Foot  Gardening Foundation check out their official website at: https://squarefootgardening.org/ The fundamental principles of square foot gardening include the use of raised beds, premium soil, efficient close planting techniques, and the practice of succession planting. pink gerber daisy Above is a photo of one of my raise beds using the square foot gardening method.  I like to mix flowers like the Gerber daisy in with edibles.  I will share a few more images from my square foot garden later this season.  Let’s Connect Do you garden in raised beds or other small space set up?  I would love to hear about your experience.  Also feel free to leave feedback about this book review in the space provided on my website blog.  Happy Gardening,

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Swing Set at Garden Center

Parrans Greenhouse Spring Visit with Kids in Mind

Surprised to see Swing Sets for Sale! Independent Garden Centers (small mom & pop) have always been my favorite place to visit during the growing season.  In this post I share this unique location that is just over the Ohio / Michigan Stateline.  Find a slide show with all my images I took during my spring visit to Parran’s Greenhouse in Ida Michigan.  You will love how creative these greenhouse are when it comes to growing a garden successfully. Parran’s Greenhouse & Farm in Ida, Michigan It’s not every day you find a garden center has kids in mind. I just love how they had swing sets on location.  Something to keep in mind when you are a home owner with a family so having the set up in the garden center is just perfect.  This is the first location I actually saw kids who were having a fun time looking at plants and even a place to wait for mom safely. I wish there were more of these when my kiddos were little. This video is from my Bren Haas YouTube Channel.  If you are a subscriber on YouTube be sure to bookmark my website for updates and new content arriving weekly. This location specializes in  the following; Fairy gardens Plants for sandy soil water gardens container gardens pollinator-friendly plants play area for kids Unique Roses Nature Plants on Sale Pave Walkway For Easy Shopping Unique Container Plantings Visit Parran’s Garden Center A short drive over the Michigan – Ohio state line, you will find this family-owned and operated garden center. We took backroads to enjoy the scenic Secor Road heading north out of Ohio into the country fields. This is a great location and easy to get to.  The small mom and pop garden center with plenty of parking.  During my visit I noticed flats of veggies and bedding annuals retail at great prices. Kids were out enjoying the adorable play while mom & dad were shopping. I have never seen that set up before.  Curious to see what the location is like today so I will for sure be making a visit in the near future. Just enter the name of the garden center and address listed below into your map app on mobile phone to get you there this spring.  Be sure to check out their website for update information on hours and specials. Parran’s Garden Center  Address: 5355 Secor Road Ida, Michigan 48140  Phone: 734-269-3610 Website: https://www.parransgreenhouse.com This post was updated in March 2025  From a May 2011 Posting by Bren Haas. Let’s Connect I would love to hear about your favorite garden center so be sure to leave a comment below with a link to your site! Until the next garden center share be sure to check out what local growers have blooming in the season to come. Happy Gardening,

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