Survival Math: How Much Should You Plant to Feed Your Family?

I get asked this more than almost anything else: "If I want to stop relying on the grocery store, how many plants do I actually need?" It’s the difference between having a side dish and having a full pantry.

Planning a garden in January is a bit like dreaming with a pencil in your hand. But to turn those dreams into dinner, you need to know the math. The following numbers are estimated for one adult for an entire season. If you are feeding a family of four, simply multiply these numbers by four to get your total seed and plant count.

The Heavy Hitters (Canning & Storage)

• Green Beans: Plant 10 to 15 plants per person. (Approx. 25 seeds).
• Corn: Plant 10 to 15 stalks per person. (Approx. 30 seeds). Plant in blocks for better pollination!
• Peas: Plant 15 to 20 plants per person. (Approx. 40 seeds).
• Winter Squash (Butternut/Spaghetti): Plant 2 to 3 plants per person. (Approx. 10 seeds). These are your "shelf staples" that stay fresh for months in a cool room.

The Salad Bar (Fresh Eating)

• Tomatoes: Plant 3 to 5 plants per person. (Approx. 10 seeds).
• Lettuce & Greens: Plant 3 to 5 feet of row per person. (Approx. 100+ seeds).
• Cucumbers: Plant 2 to 3 vines per person. (Approx. 10 seeds).
• Peppers: Plant 3 to 5 plants per person. (Approx. 15 seeds).

The Root Cellar (Staples)

• Beets: Plant 10 to 15 plants per person. (Approx. 30 seeds).
• Carrots: Plant 30 to 40 plants per person. (Approx. 80 seeds).
• Onions: Plant 20 to 30 bulbs/seeds per person.

The Perennial Legacy

• Asparagus: Plant 10 to 15 crowns per person. An investment that pays you back for 20+ years!

Plan for the "Hidden" Factors

Always remember The Gardener's Tax: 10% for the bugs, 10% for the weather, and 10% for the neighbors. We always recommend over-planting by at least 20% to account for the variables that only Mother Nature controls.

There is a profound peace of mind that comes from looking at your garden and knowing exactly how many jars it will put on your shelves. At The Seed Guy®, we don't just want you to plant a garden; we want you to grow a lifestyle of independence. We provide the seeds, but you provide the heart that feeds your family, and we are honored to be a small part of that sacred cycle.