How Much to Grow Per Person for a Full Year of Garden-Fresh Food

Growing your own vegetables is more than just a hobby; it’s a pathway to better health, environmental stewardship, and personal satisfaction. According to a study, gardening can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mood.¹

From providing fresher, more nutritious produce to reducing the carbon footprint, home vegetable gardens offer a multitude of benefits.

While the advantages are clear, many gardeners face a common dilemma: how much should they plant? Whether you’re aiming to supplement your grocery trips or striving for complete self-sufficiency, determining the right number of plants per person is crucial for a successful and productive garden.

Here’s how you cultivate just the right amount of each vegetable to meet your household’s needs throughout the year.

1. Tomatoes

Grow 4 tomato plants per person. These juicy fruits are the pride of many home gardens.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide sturdy cages or stakes for support
4. Water deeply and consistently
5. Prune suckers for indeterminate varieties

2. Carrots

Aim for 40 carrot plants per person. These sweet root vegetables are garden staples.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden, 1/4 inch deep
2. Thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart once they sprout
3. Keep soil consistently moist
4. Mulch to retain moisture and prevent green shoulders
5. Harvest when roots are 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter at the surface

3. Lettuce

Plant 10 lettuce plants per person. This quick-growing green is a must for any salad lover.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden, barely covering with soil
2. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart
3. Keep soil consistently moist
4. Provide partial shade in hot climates
5. Harvest outer leaves or entire heads as needed

4. Beans (Pole)

For pole beans, 3 plants per person will suffice. These climbers are space-efficient and highly productive.

Care Guide:

1. Install sturdy trellises or poles before planting
2. Sow seeds 3-6 inches apart in rows 25 inches apart
3. Train vines to climb as they grow
4. Keep soil consistently moist
5. Pick beans regularly to encourage more growth

5. Broccoli

Grow 4 broccoli plants per person. These nutrient-packed veggies are a cool-season favorite.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 20 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart
3. Provide consistent moisture and rich soil
4. Harvest main head when buds are tight and dark green
5. Continue harvesting side shoots for extended production

6. Cucumbers

Plant 2 cucumber plants per person. These refreshing veggies are perfect for salads and pickling.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
2. Provide trellises or support for vining varieties
3. Space plants 12-18 inches apart
4. Water consistently and deeply
5. Harvest frequently to encourage production

7. Onions

Grow 20 onion plants per person. These versatile alliums are kitchen staples.

Care Guide:

1. Plant sets or transplants 4-6 inches apart
2. Provide well-draining, fertile soil
3. Keep weeds at bay with regular cultivation
4. Water consistently, tapering off as harvest approaches
5. Harvest when tops begin to fall over and dry

8. Asparagus

Aim for 15 asparagus plants per person. These long-lived perennials will reward your patience with years of tender spears.

Care Guide:

1. Plant in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
2. Space plants 8 inches apart in rows
3. Mulch heavily to suppress weeds
4. Don’t harvest for the first two years
5. Cut foliage down in late fall after it yellows

9. Kale

Aim for 5 kale plants per person. This super-food is both hardy and versatile.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 12-18 inches apart
3. Provide rich, well-draining soil
4. Harvest outer leaves regularly
5. Protect from pests with row covers

10. Sweet Corn

Grow 5 corn plants per person. Nothing beats the taste of freshly picked sweet corn.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
2. Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for proper pollination
3. Space plants 8-12 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart
4. Water deeply and regularly, especially during tasselling
5. Harvest when kernels are plump and milky

11. Beets

Plant 20 beet plants per person. These versatile root vegetables offer both tasty greens and colorful roots.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden, 1 inch deep
2. Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart once they sprout
3. Keep soil evenly moist
4. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
5. Harvest when roots are 1-3 inches in diameter

12. Eggplant

Grow 2 eggplant plants per person. These glossy fruits are versatile in the kitchen and stunning in the garden.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide support for heavy fruits
4. Water consistently and fertilize regularly
5. Harvest when fruits are glossy and firm

13. Peas

Plant 8 pea plants per person. These early risers signal the start of the gardening season.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as soil can be worked
2. Provide trellises or support for climbing varieties
3. Space plants 2-3 inches apart
4. Keep soil consistently moist
5. Harvest frequently to encourage production

14. Green Cabbage

Grow 6 green cabbage plants per person. These leafy heads are perfect for slaws, stir-fries, and more.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 24-30 inches apart
3. Provide rich, well-draining soil
4. Water consistently to prevent splitting
5. Harvest when heads are firm and fully formed

15. Garlic

Plant 16 garlic cloves per person. This aromatic bulb adds depth to countless dishes.

Care Guide:

1. Plant individual cloves in fall, 4-6 inches apart
2. Cover with 2 inches of soil
3. Mulch heavily in cold climates
4. Water regularly in spring and early summer
5. Harvest when lower leaves start to yellow

16. Arugula

For each person, plant 10 arugula plants. This peppery green is a quick grower and adds a zesty kick to your meals.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden, 2 inches apart
2. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
3. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage growth
4. Provide partial shade in hot climates
5. Replant every few weeks for continuous harvest

17. Brussels Sprouts

Plant 3 Brussels sprout plants per person. These miniature cabbages pack a flavorful punch.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 20 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart
3. Provide rich, well-draining soil
4. Remove lower leaves as sprouts form
5. Harvest from bottom up when sprouts are firm and 1-2 inches in diameter

18. Beans (Bush)

Plant 8 bush bean plants per person. These space-savers are perfect for small gardens and containers.

Care Guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
2. Space plants 3-6 inches apart in rows 25 inches apart
3. Provide support for climbing varieties
4. Water consistently, especially when flowering
5. Harvest frequently to encourage production

19. Cauliflower

Plant 3 cauliflower plants per person. These delicate, nutty-flavored veggies are a cool-season delight.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide consistent moisture and fertile soil
4. Blanch heads by tying leaves over them when they’re about 2 inches wide
5. Harvest when heads are compact and white

20. Peppers

Grow 3 pepper plants per person. From sweet bells to fiery habaneros, peppers add zest to any dish.

Care Guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide well-draining, fertile soil
4. Water consistently, avoiding overhead watering
5. Harvest when peppers reach the desired size and color

With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to plan a garden that’ll keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, homegrown vegetables. These numbers are guidelines – feel free to adjust based on your family’s preferences and available space.

Source:

1. National Institutes of Health

Davin Eberhardt

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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.

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