Biointensive Planting Method
- Biointensive gardening calls for building raised beds with at least 24 inches of well tilled and double dug soil. This allows for easy movement of water nutrients and air through the soil, increasing its nutrient value and ease of root growth which increases production capability. The soil nutrient value is increased by adding organic compost
- Biointensive planting also calls for the spacing of plants much closer than traditional planting to protect the soil from water loss. Closer spacing also protects soil microorganisms from exposure and allows a larger yield from the available space. Choosing plants with similar requirements and qualities and planting them next to one another makes the most of applied nutrients, water and encourages attraction of beneficial insects.
- Adding organic compost that includes waste from the biointensive garden builds the soil nutrient level faster than it would normally occur in nature.