How Many Plants Can You Fit in Your Growing Area?
If you received plant starts from one of our community garden distribution efforts this fall — or if you’re simply curious about what can still be grown this time of year — this post is for you.
The chart below is based on the Square Foot Gardening Method and highlights plants we’ve shared this season (thanks to the North End Organic Nursery) plus a few additional cool-season options. These are varieties that thrive in the Treasure Valley’s fall climate and can help set you up for success going into spring.
Think Ahead for Fall and Spring
Fall planting lays the groundwork for next year’s harvest. By getting roots established now, you’re setting the stage for early spring growth once the days start to warm up again. Many of these plants tolerate cool weather well — and a few, like kale and chives, even improve in flavor after a frost.
The plan shown here uses a 4x8 bed, but you can easily adapt it for any space — raised beds, in-ground plots, or even a few containers on a patio. The key is to choose a spot that can be covered or protected from cold as temperatures drop. (We’ll share more ideas for simple season-extension setups in upcoming posts.)
While You Set Up Your Growing Space
If you’ve just received plant starts and aren’t ready to plant right away, here’s how to keep them happy:
Water lightly once per day, ideally in late morning or midday when temperatures have warmed a bit.
Keep them outdoors where they can get sunlight and air circulation.
If there’s a frost scare, provide a bit of cover — a lightweight sheet or row cover works fine as long as it doesn’t touch the leaves.
A little daily attention makes a big difference; even a few days of good care helps plants stay strong and ready to transplant.
Example Fall Interplanting & Companion Planting Plan
This example reflects interplanting and companion planting — the art of combining crops that share space well and support one another’s growth. For instance, onions can help deter pests from lettuce, while cilantro or arugula can be tucked beneath taller plants to make better use of your soil and sunlight.
A Quick Tip for Planning
Use graph paper (or even a piece of cardboard and a ruler) to sketch out your own growing area. Start with what you have — a 2x4 bed, a few containers, or a garden box — and imagine how many of these plants you could fit using the chart above as a guide.
Your goal this fall isn’t to fill every inch, but to start creating layers of plants that work together, so you’re building living soil and setting up an easy transition to spring planting.
🌱 Stay tuned for the next post in this series — we’ll share ideas for simple covers, cold frames, and protection methods to help your fall crops thrive through early freezes.