Square foot gardening

The phrase "square foot gardening" was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in a 1981 Rodale, Inc. book[1] and subsequent PBS television series.

One advantage of densely planted crops is that they can form a living mulch and can also prevent weeds from establishing or even germinating.

[3] Since the beds are typically small, making covers or cages to protect plants from pests, cold, wind or too much sun is more practical than with larger gardens.

To extend the growing season of a square foot garden, a cold frame may be built around it, and by facing the frame towards the equator, the square foot garden captures more light and heat during colder months of the year.

In 2006, Bartholemew began advocating the use of "Mel's Mix", which he described as 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 compost which he claimed yields good results even at only 6 inches (15 cm) depth.