I should also add -- I can only reach into the beds from the lawn side. There a fence on the other side of each bed.

Kat,
I have yet to try the square foot method, but in my experience even a bush type squash will need more space then a 12" x 12" space (if im reading your diagram correct). My summer squash(bush type) get to be at least 3' in diameter but most are in the 5' range. But the rest is very impressive, makes me want to try the SF method. Good luck, keep us posted on your progress.

Happy Gardening
Mark

Thanks Mark! The squash will actually have the whole 3x3 foot gray area. I know that's still tight for it. There's nothing next to the bed on the side, so I'm also hoping I can train the squash vines to go that way and spill out over the lawn.

I don't really have room for a squash -- but I really, really want one, so I thought I should try at least once.

You can do the squash (vining types) on a trellis in 1x1 square foot. I have seen pics posted on here and in the vegetable forums of crooked neck, zukes and even bigger squashes in 1x1. www.squarefootgardens.com is Mel's website where he has added an article about how to do it.

This year I am going to do do it with 2 crooked neck and 2 zukes in a 1.5x4 square foot section next to the railings of my porch. They will be allowed to sprawl all over the 8ft side of the porch.

The rest looks very good.

part of the way marigolds work by way of the root system secreting a chemical that repels harmful nemotodes and sub-surface pests. By growing them as close to the curcubits and tomato plants you ensure that this chemical will protect them as soon as possible.

Also, at least in my design - and yours, from what I see - those squares that are closest to the tomatoes are going to be the least accessible when the entire garden is thriving. :shrug:

Looks great. I'd really recommend a trellis arrangement instead of tomato cages. I used cages for years, I've used a trellis for one year, and will probably never go back to cages again. The nylon mesh material Mel recommends is very sturdy and allows you to grow your tomatoes further up while having them interfere less with the plants near them.

1) I put mine wherever I can fit them in, on the other hand I don't have such a big bed, so I guess I would try for a central location, or several squares in different places if I had that much space to work with. If you are worried about them being overshadowed, the big marigolds (1 per square foot) really are big, and tall, plants.

2)I would think the pepper would be fine. I am moving the peppers to the front (well the second row of squares back from the front) of my garden this year after they were overshadowed by my bush beans last year and didn't produce any peppers.

3) Never underestimate the space-hunger of the squash. Bush squash are BIG. Plant short-term crops like radishes around the edges of the squash area in spring, but expect that area to disappear rapidly.

4) Spreading out the plants (a square here, a square there) sure does make the garden prettier, and means that if there is a "problem" for one type of plant it may not wipe out your crop completely.

daphne16: Thanks for the reminder of trellising vine-type squashes. I'll try that next year. This year, I've exhausted my start-up budget, and I already have the cages. I bet your squash on the porch will be beautiful!

arjo_ reich: Thanks for the feedback about the marigolds. I thought that's how they worked, but I wasn't sure. Your point about the center row being less accessible is a good one -- I feel better about putting the flowers there now!

timewind: thanks for confirming that the trellis really does work for tomatoes. I'll give it a try next year. For now, I think I'm stuck with what I have! Unless I can build a trellis while my husband isn't looking. ;) Also, I hadn't thought about the need to make sure the peppers get enough sun. I'll definately put that extra pepper in the front. I also appreciate your feedback about the squash and planting the same thing in each bed.

Thanks everyone! I'd really be lost without this forum. There's such a wealth of information in the archives.