Square Foot Gardening

Divide a raised bed (typically 4x4 feet) into a grid of 1x1 foot squares and plant a specific number of crops per square based on their mature size. For example, one tomato plant fills a square, four lettuce heads fit in one, and up to sixteen radishes can occupy a single square. This intensive planting method eliminates wasted row space.

Why It Works

Square foot gardening replaces traditional row spacing with dense, organized planting that can yield the same harvest in roughly 20% of the space. The grid system also simplifies crop rotation and succession planting across small beds.

Tips

• Fill beds with a mix of compost, peat moss (or coco coir), and vermiculite for optimal drainage and fertility
• Mark the grid with string or thin wood strips for easy reference
• Water individual squares rather than broadcasting to reduce waste
• Replant squares immediately after harvesting a crop to maximize seasonal output