If you grow your own produce, you must’ve wondered how much you should plant per person.
Of course, the answer differs from one plant to the other, but there’s a general estimate of about 150–200 square feet of garden space to feed one person for an entire year.
However, this still begs the question of how many plants per crop and what if you’re planting for more!
Below, you’ll find a table full of various prominent crops along with how much you should plant. Before you divide your garden space, though, there are a few aspects to consider first!
Important Factors to Consider
Several factors come into play when planning how much to plant per person in your garden. Here are the main ones:
1 – Dietary Preferences and Consumption Habits
If you have a family of four at home, would you say they all eat the same thing? Also, do they all eat the same amount?
These are some of the first questions you must ask yourself before planting any crops. Some of your family members could be vegan or vegetarian, meaning they’ll typically consume more vegetables, fruits, and legumes than those with omnivorous diets.
Moreover, if anyone in your household has specific dietary needs, such as low-carb or gluten-free diets, you may need to adjust your planting accordingly.
For example, you might grow more non–starchy vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
2 – Available Space
Having a small space doesn’t mean you won’t be able to plant as much as you want—kind of!
However, limited spaces, like small backyards or balconies, steer you toward prioritizing high–yield, space–efficient crops.
You’ll also have to depend on non-traditional gardening techniques such as vertical gardening, such as trellises for beans and cucumbers, to maximize space.
You can also depend on container gardening if you have no ground space at all. The key is choosing the right container size and ensuring proper drainage and soil quality.
3 – Climate and Growing Season
Another factor that affects how much and what types of crops you can successfully grow is your local climate and the length of your growing seasons.
Warm climates with long growing seasons allow for multiple planting of certain crops.
On the other hand, cooler climates with shorter seasons may require careful selection of faster–growing or cold–tolerant varieties.
Of course, that means it’s vital to plant enough of each crop to meet your needs before the season ends.
This might include dedicating more space to fast-growing crops or using season extenders like row covers or greenhouses to start plants earlier in the spring or keep them going later into the fall.
Estimating Quantities: A General Guide
Below you’ll find a table with an estimation of what you need to plant for one person or a four-member household.
| Crop | Amount for one person | Amount for a family of four |
| Arugula | 3–5 Plants | 12–20 Plants |
| Asparagus | 10 Plants | 40 Plants |
| Broccoli | 1–2 Plants | 5 Plants |
| Carrots | 20–30 Plants | 80–90 Plants |
| Cauliflower | 1–2 Plants | 4–8 Plants |
| Celery | 2–3 Plants | 8–12 Plants |
| Corn | 10–15 Plants | 40–60 Plants |
| Cucumber | 2–3 Plants | 8–12 Plants |
| Eggplants | 2–3 Plants | 8–12 Plants |
| Garlic | 15 Plants | 60 Plants |
| Green Cabbages | 1–2 Plants | 5 Plants |
| Green Onions | 6–12 Plants | 24–48 Plants |
| Kale | 4–5 Plants | 16–20 Plants |
| Okra | 1–2 Plants | 4–8 Plants |
| Peppers | 1 Plant | 3 Plants |
| Pole Beans | 3–5 Plants | 12–20 Plants |
| Potatoes | 15–20 Plants | 60–80 Plants |
| Spinach | 4–8 Plants | 16–32 Plants |
| Summer Squash | 1–2 Plants | 4–8 Plants |
| Sweet Potatoes | 5 Plants | 20 Plants |
| Tomatoes | 1–2 Plants | 5 Plants |
| Turnips | 5–10 Plants | 20–40 Plants |
| Watermelon | 1–2 plants | 6 plants |
| Winter Squash | 2–3 Plants | 8–12 Plants |
Final Thoughts
So, have you learned how much should you plant per person? Sure the previous table doesn’t include every crop, but it does cover some of the most popular ones!
Remember, before you divide your garden space, check your household’s needs. You should learn their consumption habits and if they have any favorite crops to adjust accordingly.
Moreover, check your garden space to see if you might use vertical or container gardening, as your available space and climate might restrict your options.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.