The History of Square-Foot Gardening: From Ancient Times to Lazy Gardeners Everywhere

Published on 14 June 2023 at 17:01

Long before the days of sprawling gardens and endless rows of crops, ancient civilizations were practicing the art of square-foot gardening. Yes, you read that right- even our ancestors knew the benefits of growing food in small, organized, and efficient spaces.

But enough about history; let's fast forward to the modern-day phenomenon of square-foot gardening. In the 1970's some guy named Mel Bartholomew decided that traditional gardening methods were just too darned complicated. So, being the lazy genius that he was he developed a low-maintenance, high-yield method of growing food in small square-foot plots. 

 

Now, nearly 50 years later, square-foot gardening is all the rage and for good reason. Here are just a few of its many benefits:

 

1. Maximizes Space

With square-foot gardening, you don't need a ton of land to grow a variety of crops. By planting in small, organized sections, you can grow more food in less space.

 

2. Saves Time and Effort

Say goodbye to endless hours of pulling weeds and tilling your backyard. If you have never done it before trust me it is no fun!! Square-foot gardening requires less maintenance and is easier on your back. 

 

3. Reduces Water Usage

Because plants are so close together, square-foot gardening reduces water waste from over spraying and runoff.

 

4. Encourages Biodiversity

In traditional gardening methods, many people stick to growing the same few crops season after season. With square-foot gardening, you can plant a variety of crops in one garden bed, promoting biodiversity and reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

 

5. Increases Yield

By using a specific filling mix and planting in organized grids, square-foot gardening has been proven to produce higher yields than traditional gardening methods. More food for less effort? Yes, please!

 

So, there you have it- a brief history of square-foot gardening and all of its wonderful benefits. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a total newbie, trying out this method is definitely worth a shot. Who knows, maybe you'll even become a lazy gardener genius like Mel Bartholomew himself!

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