Square-foot Gardening
"Im talking about home gardening where each family can grow a good portion of their own needs in a small space with no tools, fertilizer and a few seeds... A simple easy-to-understand method that anyone can use and one that doesnt depend on the existing soil or the need to improve it."
-Mel Bartholemew
In Latin America and Africa, liveliho
od is based on cash crops. All arable land is used for those crops, which often leaves families malnourished due to lack of produce kept locally for those working on large cash crop farms. Family gardens allow villagers to plant a small garden that takes nothing away from their cash crop and provides their families with organic vegetables and herbs. Family gardens can also be a source of income, as families often produce excess crops. This technique can then be passed down to future generations, and hunger begins to disappear one village at a time.
We connect with community leaders interested in family gardens. Together, we build a model garden. We then hold a community meeting for everyone interested in building their own family garden. We teach the method and individuals supply their own materials and labor. After gardens are built, we assess them individually and distribute seeds. In 2008, HELP International taught and helped build square foot gardens at orphanages, hospitals and homes to increase food and nutrition for over 600 individuals. That number has only increased with each year, and home gardening is a staple project in almost every country where HELP has a presence.
HELP International teaches Square-foot Gardening, a method of family gardening developed by efficiency expert Mel Bartholomew. Square-foot Gardening is a simplified method of organic gardening that uses 80 percent less water and land than traditional row gardening. It is easy to learn, less labor intensive and allows for more crop variety. The garden is built with a series of one foot squares and each holds a different vegetable, fruit or herb. Teaching this method allows villagers to improves their diets and earn extra income through the sale of extra produce.
See first-hand experience working with local communities on their own gardens:
