Garden Size Requirements
In general, you’ll need 150 to 200 square feet of garden space per person in order to feed everyone in your family year-round. For an average family of four, a plot that is 20×40 feet (800 square feet) should suffice.
What to Plant
To feed a family of four, start off by planting 40 potato plants. This will provide you with a potato based meal 2 to 3 times a week. On average you should expect 8 to 14 potatoes from each plant.
A 10 foot row of pole beans, grown in favorable conditions, should be enough to give a family of four, two meals per week during the growing season. Pole bean spacing is 4 – 6 inches between plants and at least 14 inches between rows. For two meals per week for a family of four, you would need 20 plants.
Tomatoes are highly productive and a few plants will yield plenty of fruit for a family without wastage. For larger families or those who wish to grow additional varieties of tomatoes, adjust the number of plants accordingly.
Planning Your Garden
Determining what you or your family likes to eat is another thing to keep in mind before planning out your garden.
When planning your garden, think about what crops you’ll grow and how much space they need. Also, factor in preservation methods to store bountiful harvests. Implement sustainable practices to maintain productivity.
Tailor your garden size and layout to your family’s preferences.