Square Foot Gardening (SFG) is a biointensive gardening method developed by Mel Bartholomew. It's designed to be simple, efficient, and highly productive, making it a perfect choice for beginners, gardeners with limited space, or anyone looking to maximize their harvest with minimal work.
The Core Principles of SFG
The system is based on a few key concepts that break from traditional row gardening.
- Raised Beds: The garden is built in 4x4 foot or 3x3 foot raised beds, allowing you to control soil quality and access the garden without compacting the soil.
- Special Soil Mix: SFG uses a specific soilless mix called "Mel's Mix," which consists of one-third coarse vermiculite, one-third sphagnum peat moss, and one-third blended compost. This mix stays loose, is weed-free, and holds water perfectly.
- The Grid: A defining feature is dividing the raised bed into a grid of one-foot squares, with each square managed individually.
- Intensive Planting: Plants are spaced within each square according to their size, which maximizes space and eliminates the need for thinning.
Plant Spacing Chart
The number of plants per square foot depends on the mature size of the plant. Use this chart as a guide for planning your garden layout. Vining plants should be placed at the edge of the box with a trellis for vertical support.
| Vegetable / Herb | Plants Per Square | Notes & Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato (staked) | 1 | Plant in the center of the square. Prune suckers. |
| Pepper | 1 | Plant in the center. May need a small stake. |
| Eggplant | 1 | Plant in the center. Stake for support. |
| Broccoli | 1 | Give it room; leaves get large. |
| Cabbage | 1 | Allow space for the head to form. |
| Cauliflower | 1 | Tie leaves over the head to blanch it white. |
| Head Lettuce | 1 | Plant in the center of the square. |
| Kale / Swiss Chard | 1 | Harvest outer leaves to prolong harvest. |
| Cucumber (trellised) | 2 | Plant at the back of the square, train up a trellis. |
| Leaf Lettuce | 4 | In a 2x2 grid, 6" apart. |
| Garlic / Leeks | 4 | In a 2x2 grid, 6" apart. |
| Parsley / Cilantro | 4 | In a 2x2 grid, 6" apart. |
| Bush Beans | 8 | Space evenly, about 4" apart. |
| Peas (trellised) | 8 | Plant in two rows of four along a trellis. |
| Spinach | 9 | In a 3x3 grid, 4" apart. |
| Beets | 9 | In a 3x3 grid, 4" apart. |
| Onions (for bulbs) | 9 | In a 3x3 grid, 4" apart. |
| Carrots | 16 | In a 4x4 grid, 3" apart. |
| Radishes | 16 | In a 4x4 grid, 3" apart. |
| Green Onions (Scallions) | 16 | In a 4x4 grid, 3" apart. |
| Melons / Winter Squash | 1 | Plant in a corner square; train vine outside the box. |
Benefits of Square Foot Gardening
- High Yields: Produces the same harvest as a traditional garden in just 20% of the space.
- Less Work: The small, manageable size means less watering, less weeding, and no tilling.
- Water Conservation: The special soil mix retains moisture well, and the close plant spacing reduces evaporation.
- Accessibility: Raised beds are easier on the back and perfect for gardeners of all ages and abilities.