Square Foot Gardening

Gardening by the "square", or "square foot gardening" has been around for a couple of decades now, but the basic technique dates back even farther.  Biodynamic gardening and French intensive growing methods are other names for the same basic goal of getting the highest possible production from a minimum land area.

As described in Mother Earth News, Alan Chadwick, an English actor and painter introduced intensive gardening techniques at the University of California Santa Cruz campus in 1966. John Jeavons, from Stanford, California experimented with the method and has been able to improve production 4 to 6 times more than traditional U.S. farming methods.

Mel Bartholomew, a civil engineer who wrote book about intensive gardening, has made Square Foot Gardening a term familar to millions.  Using above ground boxes, Mr. Bartholomew demonstrated techniques for growing vegetables in backyards, on patios, and even decks with great results. Here's additional explanation courtesy of Wikipedia:

Square Foot Gardening is the practice of planning small but intensively planted gardens. The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in a 1981 Rodale Press book and subsequent PBS television series. The practice combines concepts from other organic gardening methods, including a strong focus on compost, closely planted raised beds and biointensive attention to a small, clearly defined area. Proponents claim that the method is particularly well-suited for areas with poor soil, beginning gardeners or as adaptive recreation for those with disabilities.

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