How to use this calculator
Start by checking the vegetables you plan to grow, then enter how many plants (or square feet for carrots) you have for each one. Adjust the grocery store prices if your local prices differ from the defaults. Enter your total garden size in square feet so the calculator can check whether everything fits.
The results instantly show your estimated harvest in pounds, total grocery value, cost savings after seed and transplant expenses, space breakdown, and a ranking of which crops give you the best return per square foot. You also get a weekly harvest estimate for peak season and an overview of how much you could preserve.
Frequently asked questions
How much yield can I expect per tomato plant?
A healthy, well maintained tomato plant typically produces 10 to 15 pounds of fruit over the growing season. Indeterminate varieties can produce even more with a long season, while determinate types tend to produce one large flush. Consistent watering and proper support make a big difference in total output.
How big of a garden do I need to feed a family of four?
A productive garden for a family of four typically needs 600 to 800 square feet for fresh produce throughout the season. If you plan to freeze or can food for year round use, aim for 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. Starting smaller at 200 to 400 square feet is a great way to learn before expanding.
What is succession planting and how does it increase yield?
Succession planting means sowing new seeds every two to three weeks instead of planting everything at once. This staggers your harvest so you get a steady supply rather than one overwhelming glut. It works especially well with quick maturing crops like lettuce, radishes, beans, and peas. You can also follow an early crop with a different late season variety to double your output from the same bed.
Which vegetables give the best return per square foot?
Tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers consistently rank among the highest value crops per square foot because they produce large volumes from a single plant. Herbs like basil are also excellent because a small planting replaces expensive store packages all season. Lettuce and leafy greens offer great value when you harvest them as cut and come again crops rather than pulling the whole head.