Sandi Peterson is one of the top contributors in our Facebook group and an experienced gardener in USDA Zone 9a. Sandi began with two raised beds and over time, expanded to an impressive eight beds with a total of 185 squares.
In this interview, Sandi shares what worked, what didn’t and how Square Foot Gardening has changed everything from planting to harvesting.
Sandi, please tell us about your journey with the Square Foot Gardening Method, how did you start?
“I have always had a garden and started with two raised beds. I found out about the SFG Method in early 2020 and built my first bed with the grids around July of that year.
I love how organized it made my brain feel! Knowing what to plant and how many plants was really interesting. I slowly converted my other two existing beds because I loved the method so much. So, for the first two years, I had three square foot gardening beds. I added one or two each season until I ran out of room. Now I have eight beds of different sizes with a total of 185 squares.”
What do you enjoy growing the most?
“I enjoy growing peppers the most. I think it’s because they thrive in Florida heat and don’t attract many pests. I mostly grow vegetables and some herbs. I also plant marigolds, usually one in each bed, to attract pollinators. I always grow cucumbers and tomatoes, they taste so much better than store-bought. My goal is to grow the majority of the vegetables my husband and I eat.”
What are some challenges or advantages of gardening in growing Zone 9a?
“I think the biggest advantage to growing in Zone 9a in Florida is the long growing season. I can generally grow from March to December. Years ago, I only planted in the spring and stopped once the summer heat hit. But with Square Foot Gardening I’ve started growing year round. During the hottest part of summer, I grow heat-tolerant crops like okra, Black Eyed Peas and peppers. In late summer, I replant some spring crops like cucumbers and tomatoes. What surprised me most about SFG was the ability to grow more in a small space. I also love that I don’t need to use chemical fertilizers.”
SFG is not SFG without the grid. What materials have you used for your grids and which one has worked best?
“Early on, I experimented with different grid materials to save money, but most didn’t last. The PVC pipes I used in my very first bed were the most substantial, but they were a bit pricey and took some effort to put together. The measuring tapes I bought at a dollar store were fun to use, but they only lasted about a year before rusting. My favorite grid material is the Royal moulding from Home Depot. For the first two beds, I connected the joints using stainless steel bolts and nuts, and drilled holes to put them through. Surprisingly, those rusted quickly.
The method I use now has proven to be both the easiest and most durable. I use coated deck screws and screw them into the joints with a drill. The tips of the screws that come through the back just go into the Mel’s Mix, so they don’t cause any issues.”
SFG grid made from measuring tape.
SFG grid made from Royal Moulding (Home Depot)
SFG grid made from PVC pipes.
Do you use a greenhouse or a cold frame to extend your season?
“I do have a greenhouse, which I use for overwintering my pepper plants. In the spring, I replant them in the beds. Finding out that peppers can live for several years was a game changer. I now start harvesting peppers in spring rather than late summer or fall. I also have plants in pots that are sensitive to cold and move them in the greenhouse in winter. I also use the greenhouse for a seed starting to get an early start.”
What kind of trellis do you use, and does it help with the heat?
“I love having arched trellises over each bed. I use cattle panels, which I bought from Tractor Supply. I use them in two main ways. First, for growing vining plants. I love keeping them off the ground to help with pest control and to provide shade for more delicate plants underneath during the heat. I also use rope from one side to the other and use ties to secure tall plants instead of staking them. We get a lot of summer storms, and this really helps reduce wind damage.”
Was there anything difficult for you in caring for your Square Foot Garden beds?
“I don’t have a problem with animals. The only difficult thing I deal with is insect pests. I think growing in the raised beds helps immensely with the pest problems. It’s easier to keep an eye on the plants.”
For new gardeners who are kind of nervous about getting started, do you have any words of advice?
“Square Foot Gardening has been amazing for me! Maintaining a neat and organized garden is so important. I’ve learned so much from other Square Foot Gardeners in the Facebook group. This method has changed how I plan what to grow and how much, so I have an abundance to preserve and to share with friends and neighbors. The advice I would give to new gardeners is to start small with one or two beds. Follow the method exactly for the best results. Get the book and join the Facebook group. There is a wealth of knowledge and everyone is so helpful. Don’t be afraid to fail. I still have failures, but I consider them learning experiences and I’m still learning in my 60s.”
