Ther are advantages to no-till, which is a spearate issue from the SFG modification of the intensive gardening methods.

The arrangement of squares to simplify addressing the needs of various plants is part of the SFG approach.

The main advantage of SFG over other intensive gardening techniques is the standardization of how to plant for the best yeild per square foot over an entire season, as well as specifying a "soil" mixture that should work well in most situations.

Putting in a grid and actually planting in separate squares is too rigid for me, but I think that it just depends on what's best for your personality and gardening style. I wanted more than 1' of carrots, so I just planted 1x3' at the end of one bed, and tied a string across to show where the seeding ended, so I'd know where the seeds were before they sprouted. Now that they're up, I'll move the string and use it to delineate another sowing. It's still in blocks, but not necessarily 1x1'. I also find that a permanent grid wouldn't work for things that need more than 1'. So to me, adapting the method is working best for me, and I think it will result in a more organic appearance to the garden.

This season, I'm modifying SFG so that a 12"x12" block consists of different types of early spring planted veggies/flowers, not just all carrots or all lettuce. I just have to be sure to keep large, leafy veggies on one side of the square so they don't shadow out smaller plants. My plan is to have a second 12x12" square planted with the same or mostly same veggies/plants about 4 weeks after for an alternating crop.

It's an organization and spacing issue as much as anything. I have used square foot gardening for 7 years and I have enjoyed the results. I have made some adaptations as well. I think the true value of any system is the ability of the system to be adapted to individual needs.

Most people in my area are in-the-ground row gardeners. When new people see my garden they are totally intrigued, especially in the heart of summer when all of the blocks are filled and my garden is in full glory. I don't garden to impress people but it is fun to be a little different than others in the area and to have good results. The coolest part is that I get to talk about my garden and pull off a tomato or cucumber or two off the vine or whatever I have too much of and give it to the person.

In my opinion, all in all SFG is a good thing.

All I know is that people are usually amazed when they see how productive a SJG is. They are generally lush and beautiful. I just think they look pretty.

I think SFG has two points of difference from other intensive methods:
1) It's easy to organize, which is useful for beginners and klutzes like me.
2) Mel Bartholemew knows how combine traditional techniques and how to market them.

That said, I consider it one variation of intensive gardening. Ain't nothing wrong with it, ain't nothing magic about it. If it gets people to garden, to use resources efficiently, and to mulch, then I'm for it. As they say in the military "If it's dumb but it works, it's not dumb."

Harimad

I started a SFG last year and I really like the way you can grow a wide variety of crops in a small area. I had more success than I ever had before even with working out some soil problems (not enough wonderful compost). I learned a lot about correct spacing and growing from seed, so I hope to have some good veggies this year from my 6 4x4 beds. If you are already an experienced veggie gardener, I think SFG would be a piece of cake!

I have a piece of wood that is 1 foot long. I use that to space things, but I don't have grids. I also use strings (sometimes) to mark where things are planted until you can see the plants sprouting.

It's worked well for me.

I think it's a good method, especially for a beginner. It can be expensive on the outset if you have to buy all the soil ammendments. I use a combination of techniques. I have the squares where I grow beans, lettuce, cukes, tomatoes, either small things or things that produce continually. For big room crops, like corn and purple hull peas, I still plant rows (double or triple) because I plant to freeze and can and feed my family all year. Then I also plant stuff all over the yard in the landscape. Such as peppers. They're quite attractive. I think the key is plant what you'll eat. If you just want to grow what you can eat fresh, sfg is great. If you're growing to feed a family year round, I think it would be hard to accomplish that with just sfg.