I'm curious about how much garden space it would take to reliably grow vegetables for a family of four, without having to worry about buying veggies from the store. I'm in zone 6, and I'm aware this will vary based on diets and gardening skills. Just looking for a rough estimate!
4 Answers
With about 1/4 acre, including my house, I managed to grow around 2000 pounds of vegetables each year in zone 8b! It was enough for me and my husband, covering all our fresh produce and even our canned goods. I think you could definitely grow enough to feed a family of four on that much space, especially with some fruit trees and maybe raising a few rabbits or ducks for protein too!
I can’t give an exact number, but I suggest focusing on succession planting. For instance, sow smaller batches of crops like carrots each week so you have a steady harvest. Also, preserving your harvest by canning or freezing is key, especially if you want veggies over winter.
I grow 15-20k pounds of produce each year on my quarter-acre! It's all about creating the right environment and utilizing space efficiently.
The typical guideline is 200 square feet per person, but it varies widely based on your situation. Factors like climate, gardening experience, and unforeseen events like pests can impact your success. Here's a guide I found helpful about feeding a family from your own garden: [Growing Enough Food for a Family](https://www.growveg.com/guides/growing-enough-food-to-feed-a-family).