Garden Tips
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Intensively Planted

Garden Tips
January 02, 2024•0 min read
The Joy of Intensively Planted Gardens: Less Weeds, More Greens, and Happy Pollinators If you've ever gazed at a lush, overflowing vegetable garden and wondered how on earth you’d manage to keep it all tidy, you're not alone. When it comes to intensively planted gardens, the first question that pops into many minds is, "How will I ever be able to weed this?" The truth is, you might be pleasantly surprised. Intensive planting is like throwing a garden party for your plants—everyone’s invited, and there's no room for uninvited guests (we're looking at you, weeds!). The idea behind this style of gardening is to maximize every square inch of space by planting your veggies, herbs, and flowers close together. This creates a green blanket that not only conserves moisture but also leaves little room for weeds to crash the party. You might be thinking, "But won't the plants get crowded?" Not at all! The beauty of an intensively planted garden is that it creates a micro-ecosystem where plants work together, rather than competing for space. Herbs and flowers like sweet alyssum planted around the perimeter of your raised garden beds can draw in pollinators and confuse pests—it's like setting up a natural security system for your veggies. And when you add trap crops like dill and nasturtium into the mix, you’re giving those pesky bugs somewhere else to munch, while luring in predatory insects like ladybugs to keep things in check. One of the best parts of this gardening method is that it encourages a closer relationship with your garden. Yes, intensively planted gardens do require daily visits, but these visits are far from arduous. Imagine spending just 10 to 15 minutes each day harvesting fresh herbs and veggies, plucking a rogue weed here or there, and removing any spent plants. It’s like giving your garden a quick spa treatment—just a little TLC to keep everything healthy and productive. Plus, daily visits mean you're more likely to spot any signs of disease or pests before they become a big problem. Early intervention equals happy plants! In the end, intensive planting isn’t just about squeezing as many plants as possible into a small space—it's about creating a thriving, balanced garden that’s as good for you as it is for the planet. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of intensive gardening, remember: a little effort each day leads to a bountiful harvest, a peaceful mind, and a healthier planet. Happy gardening!

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Ryan Hewson

Backyard garden consultant, coach and founder of Trellised Kitchen Gardens. Helping local food growers establish kitchen gardens in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and North Hollywood, Ca.

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