Photo courtesy of shygantic at Flickr.com.
This is an original method of production gardening invented by Mel Bartholowmew. Utilizing raised beds, a specific soil mix and dense cropping, square foot gardening is an ordered, thoughtful way to approach your garden. It allows you to more effectively use garden space. In other words, there is more food in less space with no fertilizers, less water use, and with less risk of loss.
How could a small garden do all that you ask? Well check the numbers— If there are 300 million people in the USA , divide that by 2 for couples and we have 150 million households, all of which have room for at least one 4’x4’ SFG. A balcony does it with a 2’x 8’ SFG and still gives you 16 sq. feet. Planting each sq. foot with a different crop and rotating crops every season, you will harvest at least 3 crops every year. Let’s say for easy calculating, each crop produces 1 lb. of food per square foot, per season. We now have the astronomical figure of 7,200 million pounds of food every year that doesn’t have to be transported, refrigerated, stored, boxed, handled, wasted and RECALLED.
-Mel Bartholomew
I have to admit that I have never tried this method of gardening. But I will. Mr. Bartholowmew feels that his method of gardening can help solve the world food crises, instill family values, and serve as a protective buffer against climate change.
I don’t see why not.