This workshop presentation discusses intensive square foot gardening techniques for commercial farms. The key aspects covered include using drip irrigation and close plant spacing to maximize yield from minimal space. Presenters demonstrate how to intensively plant vegetable crops using organic methods on small plots, with all produce being donated to local organizations. The goal is to show farmers how to gross $1 per square foot through year-round production, crop selection based on market and labor needs, and efficient use of water, soil, and space.

1. July 8, 2016
Beginning Farmer FarmTour andWorkshop
KingWilliam County,VA
Presenters:
Susan Cheek, Small Farm OutreachAgent
VSU Small FarmOutreach Program

4. 43,560 =The number of square feet
in one acre

5. This initiative is nothing new.
It is simply square foot
gardening on a commercial
scale

6. Goal
To obtain the maximum yield on minimum
space.
To gross an average of $1.00/square foot of
planting space…thus the $43,560
BUT
One square acre (210 ft x 210ft) does not contain
1 acre of growing space

7. Main Characteristics
• Drip Irrigation
• Soil Preparation
• Close Spacing
• Intensive Planting
• Year Round Production
• Crop Selection
These are applicable to both organic and
traditional methods

8. Tools and Equipment
• Specialized HandTools forWeeding
• Tractor andTractor Mounted Implements
• Two-WheeledTractor and Implements
• Backpack and Hose-end Sprayers
• Elbow Grease

16. Irrigation
• Drip irrigation lines are placed in beds
• Each bed can be watered independently
• Beds watered as needed based on soil moisture
• More efficient use of water

21. Soil
•SoilTesting
•The optimum soil pH for most vegetable crops is
6.5
•Fertilization
•Approximately 27 lbs. or one 5 gallon bucket of
Pelletized Poultry Manure per bed (400 sqft.)
•Approximately 200 to 330 lbs. or 10 five gallon
buckets of compost per bed (400 sqft.)

25. Close Spacing
• 4 ft by 100 ft beds with an average of 2 ft between all
beds
• 20 beds approximate one quarter acre of growing
space
• 2-6 rows of plants per bed based on final size of
plants
Reduced weeding after establishment of crop
More efficient use of space

27. Year Round Production
•Careful planning
•Crop selection
•Days to Maturity and Cultivar selection
•Issues
•Weather
•Materials
•Scheduling

28. Crop Selection Considerations
• Labor
• Disease and Pest Resistance
• Market
• Value
• Yield
• Use
• History
• The Unknown

40. Current Activities
• Vegetable crops raised using organic methods
• Plot worked by Student Interns, Agents, and
Volunteers
• Partnerships with State and Federal Agencies as well
as local non-profit organizations

41. Current Activities
•The principles of this project have been
demonstrated atVSU’s Randolph Farm
and other sites throughoutVirginia
•All Produce donated to local causes
•The Hope Center in Petersburg,VA
•Feeding families and individuals in need
•Tricycle Gardens of Richmond,Va
•Healthy Corner Store Initiative

42. “You just can't beat the person who never gives up.”
– Babe Ruth
“Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get
there.”
– Bo Jackson
“Don’t go into it – grow into it” – Clif Slade

43. ThankYou

44. Questions?

45. Contact Information
Susan Cheek: scheek@vsu.edu