A square garden usually measures about four feet by four feet, or three feet by three feet for children. It is bordered by wood, nailed together, and filled with a special soil mix.

The garden is then divided into square feet and then planted with a different crop. Depending on the size of the plants either one, four, nine, or 16 can fit into a square foot.

Location is also important. Consider areas like the backyard - lots of sun (six to eight hours). Close to the house and away from puddles.

Patio - try one or two planter boxes on an existing patio. Use one foot by eight foot wood sides, fill with a good soil mix.

Deck - build planter boxes with 3 foot plywood bottoms (drill holes for draining) and raise them to different heights for an interesting effect. Bolt additional two feet by six-feet boxes on the railing and plant cascading flowers and veggies.

Here are a few flowers you can plant for Christmas: Salvia - dark green leaves cluster of red flowers or red and white, shaped like a Christmas tree (very popular).

Begonias - solid red and white.

Impatiens - mixed colours, solid red and solid white.

Petunias - solid and mixed colours.

Chrysanthemums - multitude of colours, grown in pots like poinsettias or placed in the ground.

Poinsettias - the real Christmas plant, can be kept inside or outside. A good show plant.

Hybrid Geraniums - red, white, fushia, deep red, and orangy red.

Snap Dragons - in a variety of colours.

Dianthus - red raspberry colour.