Posted by Norene,
French intensive gardening is also known as biodynamic gardening. It is a technique first used in france to utilize small garden spaces with higher production. Although biodynamic is geared toward producing larger amounts of vegetables in smaller spaces it works very well for flower gardens as well. These garden plots are raised mounds about 5 feet wide. the soil is worked to a depth of 2 feet and turned with 1/3 dry compost 1/3 wet compost and 1/3 soil. This loose soil allows for fantastic root growth and the natural compost makes for healthy plants. The plants are put close together so that the mature foliage will cover all the soil and help prevent weed growth. This provides 8 to 10 times more plants per area than traditional gardens.
I love the fact that you can get better gardening in smaller spaces. It seems to be better with weed control too. I am going to start a small one this spring and see how it goes.
This is great for people who don’t have a lot of space. It is some work to start out with but definitely worth it. I never seem to have a lot of weeds to pull and get some great looking flowers and other plants.
I started doing this about a year ago and have the best vegetables. I rarely have to buy anythin at the store anymore, except in the winter. You should see the tomatoes I have been getting!
I have never heard of this French intensive gardening. I wonder if it has been around long in the states. Why don’t more farmers use this type of method. it seems like it would grow more corn or whatever they are growing in a smaller area.
I tend to like the old traditional flower garden with plants spaced out, but that is just me. I guess I have a lot of room and don’t really need or want to compact my garden. I can see the advantage if you are growing vegetables though.
I built a raised garden with a border. This eliminated the need for a lot of digging. You have to really plan for this if you are going to make your own compost to use in it because it takes a few months before it is ready.
These are great for a small vegetable garden. You can plant your vegetables so close together that you get a lot of yield for a small area. If you do it right you get some great looking produce also.
I have been using this method in my flower garden for a couple of years. It is a lot of work to start with but gives you some great looking plants. It seems to be less maintenance after you get them started too.