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Originally posted by apc
What made you decide to plant in traditional rows instead of high density? High density solves many weed, soil ecosystem, and moisture retention problems while producing greater yields on the same amount of land. Rows are easier to maintain if you have a bad back or something but high density is more comparable to the plant's natural environment.
Definitely a good tip on companion planting. Probably the easiest way to control pests. The only thing I still have problems with are squirrels even with spices so this year I'm trying a bucket of dry dog food. I hear they get fat, slow, and disinterested.
Also if one started a well maintained compost pile last year this year it should be ready to mix into the soil prior to planting. Healthy soil has a good amount of humus. And most people just till the top few inches of soil but it's best to double-dig to about 24inches. Greatly improves aeration and root growth.
Originally posted by poisonmekare
reply to post by poisonmekare
An early morning check on the plants reveal new greens in the carrot section! They just might be my carrots!
Originally posted by xpert11
Amazingly nobody has mentioned how they are going to water there garden in a survival situation . My garden will be OK without mains water because I live near a river so I will just walk a short distance to collect water .
Originally posted by malcr
I second this. planting in rows is like growing in 2d whereas high density is like growing in 3d. why waste the space in between and above when it could be put to good use.
Rows are good for mechanical cultivation nothing more.
Originally posted by kattraxx
DesertDawg, I'm going to try the tomato/pepper experiment as well. I've heard of this before somewhere. It would be interesting to plant various herbs around other vegetables too. The possibilities are endless.
I know that grapes tend to do this... whatever is growing around or near them will affect the nuances of the wine, say currants, for example.
As for me, I'm still waiting until the end of May or so to put the rest of the garden in, but the brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, garlic, shallots, herbs, spinach and butter lettuce are doing fine. We're just not safe from frost until after May 15th.
Originally posted by AmethystSD
I sprouted my tomato plants in little peat cups with my other crops, and didn't use a light. My plants are about an inch tall and his are already over a foot. This area has a very short growing season for tomatoes so I am worried that I won't get many this year. Oh well, live and learn.
Originally posted by groingrinder
I have learned that you do not plant potatoes in the ground in Arizona. You must use a planter. If you plant in the ground, termites will feast on your potatoes and the roots and the plants will fall over and die. I have also learned that carrots are left alone by the termites.