I've done a great deal of searching the internet on this subject during the past few years. There are a lot of differing opinions, but one that seems to pop out the most is 4000 (roughly) square feet for one person to grow all their food needs for a year. That is A LOT of plants in a roughly 65 foot by 65 foot area.

I have been experimenting in growing vegetables for over 12 years now in my back yard garden and I have learned a few things which I'll share as long as no one minds:

1. You need to grow a lot more than you think.
2. It's easier than you think if you use some modern methods.
3. Weeding is a HUGE problem unless you mulch A LOT (with whatever you can find).
4. Automatic watering is key.
5. It takes only a few hours each week if the above is followed.
6. You have to become a small animal killing machine if you want to harvest anything.

I figure I'll have the turn most of the back yard into a garden if I wanted to feed myself and the wife for a year. But then, storage will become a big problem. This year I'm taking a break and not planting anything so I an re-assess my program.

It never ends.

Mark