Greenhouse Benefits, Soil pH Management, and Square Foot Gardening Explained

Why Use a Greenhouse?

• Controlled climate (temperature, humidity).
• Pest exclusion.
• Winter protection / early spring head start.

Soil pH Basics

• Test with garden center kit.
• Ideal: 7.0 (neutral). Most veggies 6.5–7.0.
• Acidic (<6.5): add lime.
• Alkaline (>7.5): add sulfur.
• Rule of thumb: West of Mississippi = alkaline; East = acidic.
• High organic matter = self‑buffering pH.

Square Foot Gardening (Recap)

Intensive raised‑bed method (Mel Bartholomew). 4×4 ft beds, 1‑ft grid. Plant densities: 16 carrots, 9 beans, 4 lettuce, 1 tomato/pepper per square. Trellis north side for vines. Benefits: no compaction, high yield, less water/weeds/pests, no tilling.

Resource

squarefootgardening.com