Based on Mel Bartholomew's Square Foot Gardening method.
Square foot gardening divides raised beds into 1-foot squares, each planted with a specific number of plants based on mature size: 16 per square (carrots, radishes), 9 (beets, onions), 4 (lettuce, herbs), 1 (peppers, broccoli, cabbage), or 1 per 2-9 sq ft (tomatoes, squash, melons). This intensive method produces more food per area than traditional row gardening — up to 5× more yield. Benefits: less weeding, less water, better organization, and easier succession planting. A standard 4×4 ft raised bed provides 16 squares. Use good quality growing mix (1/3 compost, 1/3 peat/coir, 1/3 vermiculite). After harvesting one crop, immediately replant the square.