Developing the BrianG gardening method (work in progress)

[Brian Gallimore]

The goal is to develop a method of gardening that will produce the best vegetables with the least amount of work in my small backyard garden.  So far, I think this will consist of the following things:

- raised beds w/ improved soil (rocks screened, organic material added)
- natural/organic methods, no chemicals (no harm to earthworms or pollen spreading insects)
- biointensive methods: close plant spacing, requires additional inputs such as water and fertilizer
- no till: never disturb the soil, cut plants off instead if pulling them up.  Add compost to top at least once per year
- implement permaculture techniques where possible: minimize inputs, companion planting, succession planting, biodiversity, sustainable practices
- use varieties that are adapted for our area
- develop instructions as simple as 'square foot gardening' techniques

I'll use this thread to expand on this concept and each of the components.

[Brian Gallimore]

Things I've done right:
Start tomato seeds mid January, add fertilizer weekly

Things to do differently:
I planted peppers early in January, should have seeded in December

[Brian Gallimore]

Starting Seeds Indoors:
You need lots of light, and the right kind of light. 

light intensity - a typical florescent bulb fixture is optimized for energy efficiency, not light output.  There is a trick you can do to boost the light output by using multiple or a different ballast.  (http://blog.briangallimore.com/2011/01/grow-light-modification/)

light spectrum - typical bulbs don't produce the right kind of light.  Plants need full spectrum light, like the sun provides.  Special bulbs are available for this purpose.

[Brian Gallimore]

Explore differences between 'master gardener' methods and 'permaculture' methods.   

Master Gardeners:  focus on providing what is needed for plants to survive (intensive care)

Permaculture: focus on design that requires zero input (survival of fittest)

[Brian Gallimore]

Ruth Stout:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2004-02-01/Ruth-Stouts-System.aspx

8" of straw mulch

similar to no-till technique, and 'lasagna gardening'

[Brian Gallimore]

Jiffy pots:  the netting does not break down!  I have 3 year old reminents in my garden soil.

Easier/Cheaper/Better:  make your own pots out of newspaper, or re-use pots (careful with disease transmission year/year)  (see http://blog.briangallimore.com/2011/01/pots-from-newspaper/)

Better yet:  soil cubes