Square Foot Gardening (SQF) is a method that makes planning and planting your garden way easier. It was Mel Bartholomew who came up with the idea. He has figured out how many seeds or plants can fit in a square foot.
Mark off a grid of square feet on the ground or with rope, string, sticks, or a measuring tape or ruler. This is where you will plant your plants. In the below, each square = one square foot.
Now, decide what you want to plant. Use the list, below, to determine how many seeds or plants per square. For example, if you want to plant bush beans, plant 9 bean seeds in one square. A tomato plant = one per square.
Scroll to the bottom to see an example of a completed SQF map. You can download a blank map here.
Green beans are a delicious versatile vegetable that can be grown easily in small spaces. With proper planning and planting techniques it’s possible to maximize green bean yields in square foot gardens and container gardens. In this article, we’ll cover how many bean plants can realistically be grown per square foot.
Spacing Green Beans in a Square Foot Garden
The most important factor in determining green bean plant density is proper spacing. Beans need sufficient room to grow vertically and develop their vines and leaves. Here are some key spacing guidelines to follow:
-
Rows should be spaced at least 18-24 inches apart This gives enough space for you to walk between rows to tend to the plants
-
Within each row, bean seeds or seedlings should be spaced 3-4 inches apart. This equates to approximately 4-5 plants per linear foot.
-
For square foot gardening specifically, experts recommend planting 9 seeds per 12″x12″ square
-
With proper spacing, you can plant about 16-20 plants in a 4 foot by 4 foot raised bed.
-
For smaller container gardens, allow at least 6 inches between each bean plant.
Optimizing Plant Density in a Square Foot Garden
When dealing with a finite garden space, it’s important to strike the right balance between quantity and plant health. Here are some tips:
-
Start seeds or seedlings in a grid pattern to maximize planting density. This allows you to space plants equidistantly.
-
Use trellising or staking techniques to support vertical vine growth. This opens up limited ground space.
-
Prune leaves and stems selectively to improve air circulation. Prevent fungus and diseases.
-
Use vigorous bush bean cultivars that stay compact. This avoids excessive sprawling.
-
Employ succession planting to double plant quantity over time. Replant every 2-3 weeks.
-
During hot summers, increase spacing to 6-8 inches apart to account for plant size.
-
For companion planting, allow a few empty squares to intersperse other vegetables.
Factors That Impact Green Bean Plant Quantity
Several variables beyond spacing can influence how many bean plants fit in a square foot garden. Some key considerations:
-
Soil Quality: Beans thrive in loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6-7. Poor soils limit plant growth.
-
Sun Exposure: Beans require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light reduces yields.
-
Water: Consistent moisture is vital, especially during flowering and pod development. Drought stressed plants will be smaller.
-
Air Circulation: Good airflow prevents fungal issues. Overcrowded plants are more disease prone.
-
Bean Variety: Compact bush beans take up less space than vining pole bean varieties.
-
Growing Method: Plants spacing in containers differs from in-ground garden beds. Adjust accordingly.
-
Climate and Season: Account for plants size differences in cool vs. hot regions and seasons.
Sample Square Foot Garden Planting Plans
To give you a better idea of how many bean plants can fit per square foot, here are some sample garden plans:
4×4 Foot Raised Bed
- 4 rows with 6 bean plants per row = 24 total plants
- Spacing: Rows 18 inches apart, plants 4 inches apart
10 Gallon Container
- 1 row with 5 bush bean plants
- Spacing: Plants spaced 6 inches apart
2×4 Foot Raised Bed
- 2 rows with 9 plants per row = 18 total plants
- Spacing: Rows 18 inches apart, seeds 3 inches apart
12×12 Inch Square Foot Segment
- 9 seeds evenly spaced in grid pattern
- Spacing: Seeds spaced 4 inches apart diagonally
Getting a Bountiful Harvest
With the right spacing, soil preparation, and maintenance you can maximize green bean yields. Here are some final tips:
-
Use quality seed varieties bred for high productivity.
-
Regularly monitor soil moisture and fertilize when needed.
-
Control weeds to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
-
Protect plants from pests like aphids that can slow growth.
-
Harvest beans frequently to encourage more pod production.
The most important takeaway is that proper planning and planting techniques allow you to successfully grow approximately 9-16 green bean plants per square foot. Adjust your approach based on variables like garden size, plant variety, and growing conditions. With some trial and error, you’ll discover the perfect plant density for your garden space.
k
Consider the height of your plants when planting
If possible, plant your tallest plants (e. g. tomato, pole bean, and squash plants on a trellis) on the north side of your garden bed or plot Shorter plants should be at the front, or south side. That way shadows from the taller plants won’t fall on the shorter plants.
The Seed Planting “Rule”
Don’t forget the seed “rule”: only plant seeds as deep as they are big. Small seeds are spread out on the ground and lightly covered with soil. Beans and squash seeds, on the other hand, are planted in a hole that is about as deep as your first fingernail.
A Farmer’s Guide to Mastering Growing Green Beans
FAQ
How many green beans can I plant in a square foot?
How much space does a green bean plant need?
How many plants per square foot chart?
|
Vegetable Type
|
Spacing Per Square
|
|
Lettuce (head)
|
4
|
|
Melons
|
1 per 4 squares
|
|
Mint
|
1-4
|
|
Onions (bunching)
|
16
|
How far apart should I plant green beans in a raised bed?
How many bush beans per square foot?
For a square foot garden, it is recommended to plant 4 bush beans per square foot. The plants will have enough space to grow. You should adjust the number of plants if you are using large varieties. To ensure proper spacing, plant bush beans about 4-6 inches apart from each other.
Can you plant bush beans in a square foot garden?
If you have limited space, the square foot gardening method might work for you. When planting bush beans in a square foot garden, plant one to four seeds in every square foot, making sure to plant seeds 6 inches apart.
How much space should a bean plant have?
Thin your beans: After your green bean plants have sprouted, thin them by using small scissors to snip off any extra plants—leaving behind the roots in the soil. You want your final pole bean plants to have about three to four inches of space between each plant, or six to eight inches between bush bean plants.
How many quarts of beans can a row of bush beans produce?
A 100-foot row of bush beans will produce about 50 quarts of beans. Bush beans are best direct sown in the garden. They are not frost tolerant so you need to wait until after all danger of frost has passed before planting. Beans need warm, all drained soil to grow well. If your soil is to wet the been seeds will rot.