If you’ve ‘failed at gardening,’ or feel stuck because you don’t know how to build a raised bed, construct a trellis, till the ground or make compost. This is for you!

In this garden project I will share exactly what to do each week and together we will grow a beautiful 4x8 garden packed with food!

We will apply easy, actionable steps in about an hour each week. Ok, two if you count the time you will sit in your garden drinking coffee. 😉

To join me for this project, and subscribe to our email list for even more content.

Here are the supplies you will need for this project: 

A 4x8ft ‘yard’ space (an area clear of debris, trees, bushes, large rocks. Grass and small ‘weeds’ are okay) that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. We will discuss site selection more in the second video. (Free)

4 stakes, sticks or rocks to mark the corners of your garden. (Free) 

A measuring tape or measuring stick. (Free)

Brown cardboard or newspaper. You will need enough to cover the 4x8ft section with 1 layer of cardboard or 4-5 layers of newspaper. If you do not have any on hand, ask neighbors or post on social media, many people are more than happy to give away cardboard and paper. (Free) 

Compost. You will need enough compost to cover the 4x8 space at least 4in thick. This is approximately 1/2 yard of compost. We will talk more about this in the first video. But you want to find a well composted mix (not fresh manure). If you do not have any, that’s okay. There are many local options including mushroom compost offered at our farm. (Approximately $50)

One bale of straw or hay. Organic and free of seeds is preferred. (Approximately $8) Or leaves! (Free)

Seeds and plants. More information on the plants and seeds coming soon!  (Approximately $60) 

Total = Approximately $108.

Some of you may be asking, “why such as small garden space? I want to grow a large garden and all our food!”

I get it! I want to grow all the things and have my dream garden too! But this take time and experience. A lot of time and experience.

However, when you start on a small scale you set yourself up for great success AND you will reach your dream garden much faster. Counter intuitive I know, but it works.

Here are a few reasons to start with a 4x8ft space:

• More focused effort and resources 

• More likely to receive your care 

• Less overwhelm 

• Super attainable 

• Grow from there 

• You will grow more food than you expect!! 

Ready to get started? Watch the first video below!

Next week we will select a garde site!

What will you be able to grow in this 4x8ft garden space? Approximately:

16 Heads of lettuce

16 kohlrabi

10 Bush Bean plants

2 Pepper plants

2 Dwarf Cherry Tomato plants

1 Summer Squash plant

1 Cucumber plant

8 Spinach plants

4 Swiss Chard plants

2 Basil plants

Marigolds, Sweet Alyssum and Nasturtium

This will vary based on your preference, the seeds and plants available to you and your location (if you are in a different weather area than we are).

Are you ready to get started?!?