5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 29/10/2006

This is a very cool book, and contains some excellent ideas for gardeners. I particularly love the emphasis on not planting huge rows of things that will only end up going to waste because, realistically, you're not going to be able to eat twenty cabbages all at once! Some of the ideas seem a bit fiddly - I'll stick to watering my garden with a hose, not a cup, thank you all the same - but the bulk of the book is intriguing and well worth reading.

5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 05/04/2009

This book has been an epiphany to my way of thinking about growing vegetables. I live on 50 acres in northern NSW - so space is not a problem. When we moved here from the city 5 years ago - I set about making a large fully enclosed vegetable garden which promptly filled with all kinds of interesting weeds and a considerable number of vegetables. In vain did I try to sell/give away the excess - but my neigbours were doing the same with the same vegetables. The weeds were in heaven as my interest waned and I was at the stage of knowing that there were some beans in there somewhere but did not have the courage to fight the farmers friends to find them. Then a friend told me about Four Square Gardening and lent me a copy of the original book - I was interested but thought there must be a more up to date edition. I found it on Fishpond and within two months had left the old veggie patch to the weeds and started growing veggies with a purpose - just to feed ourselves. I now have three Square Foot Gardens which take approximately 10 minutes a day to maintain and keep weed free - two raised on low tables - and we eat our own salads and veggies everyday. I thoroughly recommend both this book and this method to all those people who are still fighting the weeds and breaking their backs in their old style veggie growing.

3.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 04/01/2010

I'm a bit undecided on this booking. It's good as far as telling you how to make and garden in the "square foot" style of gardening, but to be honest, it really didnt contain any where near enough details on how to actually grow the vegetables. It's not simply a matter of putting and seeds, watering and feeding the plants and then waiting for food to appear. I would have appreciated it more, had it contained more details on how to actully successfully grow a large range of vegetables.

4.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 05/01/2009

A very worthy addition to any home gardener’s library – beginner or experienced.
I initially borrowed this book from a neighbour and bought my own copy.
I wouldn’t necessarily follow the method to the letter (American author), but the switch from growing in rows to growing in squares makes very good sense – I am converting. A great way to feed a family in a very affordable way in a small or large space.
I had already converted to raised bed cultivating, so advice on that is great - along with simple to contruct beds plans.
Very good planting, plant information and sustainability calendar at the end along with a glossary.

4.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 22/08/2008

Very interesting reading. Good for people with small gardens and for children to gain an interest in gardening otherwise the the squares seem a bit small to me. I'm trying it out when the weather warms up a bit.

4.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 10/02/2010

Excellent gardening suggestions for easy growing. While the content of this book is excellent, it reads like an infomercial which gets frustrating. The author could say what needs saying in 1/8th of the space he uses. Maybe this appeals to other users, but I found myself skim reading much of the time. Also, I've had trouble finding vermiculite in large quantities. Otherwise, an excellent book full of useful techniques. It would be great if the tables at the back were reworked for NZ, rather than based on the American (Northern Hemisphere) calendar. Don't let the writing style put you off, definitely a book worth owning.

5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 16/03/2009

This is a great book and I can't wait to get started on all the SFG principles when I move into my new house! The pictures and instructions make it so easy to do.

5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 07/12/2008

Highly recommended to all who seeks a manageable vege garden with minimal work. It has been a highlight in my garden and am pleased with the results. Everything in this book is easy to follow. It sure beats traditional row gardening. Must visit www.squarefootgardening.com and go through further FAQS as some questions were exactly what I was thinking of when I started reading his book. I'm now switching my container soil to Mel's perfect mix after observing how well my veges are doing compared to potting mix.

5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 10/11/2008

As I enjoy growing my own vegetables this book has been very helpful indeed.It changes one's whole attitude as to how one grows vegies and indeed most plants in the garden.Changeing the mentality of the old way of growing in long rows and thus looseing so much usable growing space.We at home are not commercial broadacre farmers but we would grow crops like them because this is how everyone was shown from generation to generation.Well not anymore thanks to this book!I'm very happy indeed.Thank you.Nick.

5.0 out of 5 based on 19 reviews. – Customer review on 28/10/2008

Loved this book and am well on the way to establishing my first Square Foot Garden. Husband is also keen - to help me get it going, but then his efforts will stop!