Gardening Methods
Although gardening methods can differ between different locations, a few principles can be recommended for most gardens:
1. Set-up permanent garden beds that have well-defined borders, with paths in between. Permanent beds are easier to tend and will prevent children from accidentally stepping on plants or compacting the soil. They should not be wider than one meter, so that children can easily reach the beds' centre without stepping into them.
2. Plan and follow a recommended crop rotationIf you plan to grow the same crops regularly, you will need to rotate them. Each kind of crop needs particular nutrients in the soil and uses these up at a particular level in the ground. At the same time, each kind of plant attracts its own particular pests and diseases, which soon become established around the crop. If you grow the same kind of crop in the same place season after season, the nutrients that the plant needs are quickly exhausted, the plants grow weak and stunted and quickly come under attack from waiting pests and diseases., involving different plant families. This will keep the soil healthy and prevent many plant diseases.
3. If you encounter problems with plant diseases or pests, try to avoid the use of toxic chemicals. Seek advice from knowledgeable locals about methods of integrated pest management. If spraying becomes unavoidable, an appropriately trained adult should handle the chemicals with the proper equipment and protection.
