06/13/2024
Something new I'm trying this year is polyculture gardening. What is polyculture? It's growing multiple useful plants together in one area. Polyculture has many benefits like reducing pest damage, conservation of the soil and also increasing the yield in a single area. But like many new things it comes with it's challenges, like weeding with so many different types of plants it is almost impossible to pinpoint what is what with out damaging a crop. So I like to see it as a ground cover to help keep the moisture secure on these hot days. Planting polyculture has a science to it you just dont grab a handful of seed and mix it in... (which i thought about it) but you still have to take in consideration about what to plant.
-You want to think about what will fit best in the area.
-Seasonal crops spring summer fall harvests
-Layering your garden with shapes, sizes, above ground, below ground.
Example:
Edible ground cover- radish, greens,
Early Season- brassica cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli
Mid season- beans, onion, Chives, carrots, beets
Herbs & Flowers- dill, parsley, Cilantro, Fennel, Calendula
Late season- broccoli, kale, sprouts, spinach, lettuce
Plants to avoid- nightshade, Melons, squash crops that expand and cover alot of ground
Many crops have started to peak through the soil and compost along side of some wild editable plants.