Intensive Planting: Beyond Seed Packet Spacing

Introduction

This tutorial provides practical strategies for intensive planting in your garden, moving beyond traditional seed packet spacing. By adopting these methods, you can maximize your space and yield while maintaining a sustainable gardening practice.

Step 1: Grow Vertically Using Square Foot Gardening Spacing

• Utilize vertical space by training plants to grow upwards.
• Apply square foot gardening (SFG) techniques for spacing:
  • For example, grow winter squash vertically to save ground space.
  • Use trellises or cages to support climbing plants.

Step 2: Plant Peas and Pole Beans Vertically

• Implement SFG spacing for vertical growth.
• Space plants appropriately:
  • Use a trellis to allow peas and pole beans to climb.
  • Ensure adequate support for the plants as they grow.

Step 3: Single Stemmed Indeterminate Tomatoes

• Opt for single stemmed indeterminate tomato varieties.
• Space them according to SFG guidelines for optimal growth.
• Use stakes or cages to support the upright growth.

Step 4: Intensive Planting of Peppers

• Plant two pepper plants in a 7-gallon grow bag.
• If planting in the ground, space them 10 to 12 inches apart.
• This method allows for more efficient use of space and resources.

Step 5: Cut and Come Again Greens

• Intensively plant fast-growing greens such as lettuce or spinach.
• Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
• This technique maximizes yield from a small area over time.

Step 6: Utilize Spaces Between Large Plants

• Grow fast-growing small crops (like radishes or turnips) in the spaces between larger, slower-growing plants.
• This intercropping method helps utilize all available garden space.

Step 7: Grow Shade Tolerant Plants

• In shaded areas, plant shorter, shade-tolerant crops such as lettuce or herbs under taller plants.
• This technique can enhance biodiversity and yield in your garden.

Step 8: Experiment with Intensive Planting

• Continuously explore new methods and combinations of plants to push the limits of intensive planting.
• Keep a gardening journal to track successes and areas for improvement.

Conclusion

By implementing these intensive planting strategies, you can optimize your garden space, increase yield, and engage in sustainable gardening practices. Consider experimenting with different plant combinations and techniques to find what works best for your specific garden environment. Happy gardening!