A one-square-meter vegetable garden is perfect for urban spaces or beginner gardeners. Despite its small size, it can yield an impressive variety of fresh produce. Here’s how to design and manage your mini-garden:
- Location Selection: Choose a spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure it is easily accessible for watering and harvesting.
- Prepare the Soil: Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Incorporate organic compost to boost fertility.
- Grid Layout: Divide the 1m² space into smaller sections, such as a 3×3 or 4×4 grid. This organization helps you plan and plant efficiently.
- Crop Selection: Opt for high-yield, compact crops such as lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, bush beans, and herbs. Companion planting can maximize space and deter pests.
- Succession Planting: Replant quick-maturing crops to ensure continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
- Watering and Mulching: Use a drip irrigation system or water deeply to promote strong root growth. Mulch the soil to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Regular Maintenance: Monitor for pests, prune excess growth, and fertilize as needed to keep plants thriving.