Mel Bartholomew

Mel Bartholomew's path to arguably the most influential backyard gardener was an untraditional one. A civil engineer by profession and frustrated gardener by weekend, Bartholomew was convinced unmanageable, single-row gardening was a waste of energy and output. His determination led to experiment with a 4'x4' square and a new soil recipe. Bingo: 100% of the harvest amount in 20% of the space.

Mel's All New Square Foot Method was born and led to well-received televisions shows on PBS and the Discovery Network. After the Method attracted global praise, Square Meter Gardening was introduced. Bartholomew applies the use of his Method through extensive humanitarian and educational efforts abroad and in the United States. He continues to operate his non-profit Square Foot Gardening foundation in Eden, Utah.