What are the core principles of square foot gardening?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Square foot gardening transforms the way we garden in small spaces by utilizing planning and soil science. Developed by Mel Bartholomew in 1981, this approach means maximizing your harvests on 4x4 feet grids instead of in rows, where space is wasted. I have had urban growers harvest as much as 20 lbs of produce on a balcony a month, showcasing that space is not the limiting factor as many people determine.
Soil Composition
- Mel's Mix: 1/3 compost, 1/3 vermiculite, 1/3 coconut coir
- Avoids soil compaction, key for shallow-rooted crops
- pH balance maintained at 6.5-7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake
Grid Design
- 12x12-inch squares marked with weatherproof dividers
- Color-coded sections for crop rotation tracking
- Adjustable trellis systems for vertical expansion
Plant Density
- 1 tomato per square vs 16 radishes
- Staggered planting dates prevent overcrowding
- Companion planting reduces pest pressure naturally
In light of conventional methods, maintenance requires far less effort. Daily, clients are spending around 15 minutes a day on maintenance with 3 grid beds. The use of dense planting eliminates weeding. The automated drip irrigation system reduces time spent watering by 30%. Organic soil fertility will remain intact for 5 years or more if they top-dress each growing season with composted materials.
Read the full article: Ultimate Square Foot Gardening Guide: Maximize Your Harvest
