New Business offers Free Class
By Geri Taylor
Timpanogos Times March 3, 2010
When Pleasant Grove resident, Belinda Jensen received a book on gardening, she glanced at it then
stashed it away as a nice addition to her library. Five years later when the economy took a downturn,
Belinda decided to get serious about growing a more productive garden. The gifted book, “Square
Foot Gardening” by Mel Bartholomew, was the answer to planting more in their large but restrictive
yard.
Between the extensive cement driveway in the front and less accessible areas in the back yard, the
Jensen garden was often limited to tomatoes and zucchini. Box gardening opened up the possibility
of planting a variety of vegetables and using the driveway and smaller, sunlit areas, to garden.
The first year was a learning experience. Much time was spent building the boxes, learning new
planting methods and mixing the soil to the right consistency. The specialized soil mixture includes
vermiculite, five different composts and peat moss in equal portions. Finding the components for the
soil and mixing it was a challenge that became the seed bed for a thriving enterprise.
Not only did Belinda grow more in less space, save water and have a weed less garden, she realized
this method could become a business that would benefit her family and countless others. The spirit of
free enterprise became a powerful stimulus to step out of a comfort zone and into a new and exciting
adventure. With husband Barry’s business acumen, Belinda’s enthusiasm and tenacity, and their son’
s computer skills, a family business was launched.
Home Gardens To Go is filling a need in Utah Valley and is preparing to expand as the concept of
space-saving gardening becomes more popular. Saving time and water is especially appealing to
those who have never gardened or have had little or no success. The assurance that any one can do
this type of gardening is also drawing non-traditional gardeners to America’s greatest pastime.
Jensen’s local advertising drew the attention of Mel Bartholomew, originator of Square Foot
Gardening, and soon they were licensed and certified to use his name and teach his methods. One
aspect of Bartholomew’s business that appealed to the Jensens was his non-profit foundation that
teaches gardening techniques to Third World countries. A portion of each purchase goes to these
humanitarian efforts in hundreds of villages and communities throughout the world. Many inner-city
schools are also using the square foot gardening method, teaching disadvantaged children skills that
will impact their lives.
While do-it-yourself kits are available, the Jensen’s biggest asset is their delivery and set-up policy that
makes gardening an instant venture. They also have access to the specially prepared soil which has
all the nutrients and water absorbing properties that support a successful, weed less garden. The
clay component of our local soil makes it a challenge to prepare a nutrient-rich, loamy garden spot.
With the square foot method, only 6” of premixed, organic soil is used for most vegetables and the
only tools needed are a trowel and a pair of scissors. Boxes can even be built on legs for those who
cannot bend or are confined to a wheelchair.
The best-selling book, “Square Foot Gardening” is complete with planting guidelines, plant
information and how-tos, calendars for planting and step by step instructions, including illustrations,
charts and tips from the author.
Through research, training and their own planting experience, the Jensen’s are fine-tuning their
business to make it practical and easy to box garden in small spaces.
This method is said to use 80% less space than a traditional row garden, 80% less water and 90% less
work! With those statistics it’s a wonder we still garden the old fashioned way.
On March 17th the Pleasant Grove Library is sponsoring a free class on Square foot gardening, taught
by the Jensens. The hour-long class will be held in the auditorium and includes a drawing for the book
“Square Foot Gardening”. The public is invited to attend, ask questions and learn how to save time,
money and effort with this revolutionary and practical method of gardening.
Contact info: www.homegardenstogo.com or 801 427-0563
Press Releases
