Square-foot gardening (Mel Bartholomew's method) maximises yield per square foot by gridding a raised bed into 1-foot squares, each planted to specific density. Twelve layouts for a 4x4 bed (16 squares).

Spacing basics

• Extra-large plants (tomatoes, peppers, broccoli): 1 per square
• Large plants (lettuce, parsley): 4 per square
• Medium plants (spinach, beets): 9 per square
• Small plants (carrots, radishes, onions): 16 per square

12 tested plans for a 4x4 bed

1. Salad bed: 4 squares lettuce, 4 spinach, 4 radishes, 4 arugula.

2. Italian herb kitchen: 2 basil, 2 oregano, 2 thyme, 1 rosemary, 1 tomato, 4 parsley, 4 chives.

3. Salsa garden: 2 tomatoes, 2 peppers, 2 jalapeños, 4 cilantro, 4 onions, 1 garlic, 1 tomatillo.

4. Stir-fry garden: 2 broccoli, 2 cabbage, 4 bok choy, 4 carrots, 4 spring onions.

5. Salad + herbs: 6 lettuce squares, 4 herb squares, 4 carrot squares, 2 tomato cages.

6. Kids' garden: 2 cherry tomatoes, 2 sunflowers, 4 strawberries, 4 carrots, 4 radishes (fast germination).

7. Mediterranean: 2 tomatoes, 1 eggplant, 1 pepper, 4 basil, 4 parsley, 4 rocket.

8. Leafy greens focus: 4 kale, 4 swiss chard, 4 lettuce, 4 spinach.

9. Root vegetables: 4 carrot squares, 4 beet squares, 4 radish squares, 4 onion squares.

10. Pollinator support: 2 tomato, 2 pepper, plus borage, marigolds, nasturtiums, calendula (4 flower squares).

11. Three Sisters (scaled): 4 corn squares, 4 bean squares (climb the corn), 4 squash squares, 4 marigold (deter pests).

12. Pizza garden: 2 tomatoes, 1 pepper, 4 basil, 2 oregano, 2 garlic, 4 onion, 1 herb mix.

Succession planting

As early-season squares (lettuce, radishes) finish, replant with warm-season crops. One 4x4 bed can produce three rotations per year in many climates.

Twelve plans. Start with #1 or #2 — they're easiest and highest- use. Gardens get more sophisticated year over year as experience builds.