Garden Insights Wednesday, May 21, 2008

click to enlarge

When planning the YF garden, our research led us to choose “BioIntensive” techniques to increase our yield and make the most efficient use of our land and time.

Soil Preparations

We chose 5’X 20’ raised beds, which allows us to reach to the middle of the bed easily on each side and gives us 100 square feet of planting area. As we mentioned earlier, our plans included removing the sod (to prevent grass growing in our garden area), tilling the soil 8-12 inches down, then adding another 8-10 inches of fresh topsoil.

With the soil deeply aerated, the roots will grow deeper and keep the plants healthier, producing more vegetables.

Planting

Instead of using rows, we used “intensive” planting, placing the plants close in a triangular pattern. As the plants grow to maturity, their leaves will overlap and create a canopy, a mini-ecosystem. With such close spacing, there is less room and light for weeds to grow, and pollination amongst the plants is improved.

click to enlarge

We also decided to use “companion planting” methods to deter harmful insects and increase production. Rosemary and sage both deter carrot flies, and nasturtiums repel squash bugs. Some plants also improve the growth and flavor of other plants, such as basil does with tomatoes. It is also important to know which plants dislike each other or can transmit diseases. We carefully positioned our garden plants so that "enemy" plants are far apart, and friendly plants are close together.

We chose non-hybrid (open pollinated, heirloom) plant varieties wherever possible. When shopping for seeds and plants, we told the plant nurseries about the project. They were very helpful, and several gave us pricing discounts.

Garden Maintenance and Watering

click to enlarge

As we researched and planned the garden, we realized quickly how much work was involved in maintenance – especially the daily watering required by many plants. We’re working on setting up a timed watering system to help with this. As our garden continues, we will try to publish more details about how we are planting our vegetables and the techniques we use.

Learning about gardening is fun and exciting, but the real joy is the wonderful fellowship with each other. Everyone has been eager to lend a hand with the garden, and several brothers from the church have even offered to lend equipment and machinery. We have really been enjoying one another’s fellowship as we talk about the Lord, what He is doing in each of our lives, and His Word. We’re very thankful for the chance to work with other called out Message believers, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather the Lord has blessed us with.

As we work in the garden, we find it hard not to see God everywhere we look; in helpful hands, in the sunset, in the gentle breeze, in each living plant that pushes through into the sunlight. As we watch plants bend around obstacles, following the sunlight, we are reminded of the spiritual Light that keeps us growing as Christians. How precious that Light is to us, and how important it is that we never stop absorbing it!