Interplanting and Balcony Gardening Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended ratio of seeds to compost in the seed ball recipe?

  • 1:3 (correct)
  • 1:1
  • 3:1
  • 5:1

How many seed balls are recommended per square yard of ground to maximize their impact?

  • 5
  • 20
  • 1
  • 10 (correct)

What is the most important change individuals can make to contribute to a better future?

  • Educating others about environmental issues
  • Adopting a minimalist lifestyle
  • Supporting local businesses
  • Reducing consumption and increasing production (correct)

Why is red clay preferred over other types of clay for making seed balls?

<p>Red clay does not inhibit seed growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is NOT mentioned as a classic choice for attracting beneficial insects?

<p>Rosemary (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gardening system is described as being suitable for people with small spaces?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using dried-out organic compost in the seed ball recipe?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main message regarding urban gardening?

<p>Urban gardening should be approached with a practical and adaptable mindset (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of the Three Sisters planting method?

<p>Attracts pollinators to the crops (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "guild" refer to in the provided text?

<p>A group of plants that work together to create a more productive and sustainable system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author suggest using a bicycle over a car?

<p>A bicycle allows for better interaction with the community (B), A bicycle is more energy-efficient than a car (C), Riding a bicycle provides physical exercise (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Rocky Mountain bee plant (Cleome serrulata) contribute to the Three Sisters system?

<p>It attracts beneficial insects to protect the other crops (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the squash play in the Three Sisters system?

<p>Suppresses weeds and shades the soil (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the text regarding permaculture?

<p>Permaculture is a method of sustainable farming that mimics natural systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of biodiversity in a garden?

<p>Increased pest resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between permaculture and the Three Sisters system?

<p>The Three Sisters system is an example of how permaculture can be implemented in practice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid mulching with hay?

<p>Hay can sprout seeds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suitable source of mulch?

<p>Plastic sheeting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you search for to find free mulch options in your city?

<p>Free mulch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of mulch is suitable for use around food plants?

<p>Fine mulch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is it more economical to purchase mulch for large areas?

<p>Order mulch in bulk. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs of plants are mentioned as good companions for planting together?

<p>Cucumbers and Dill (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plant should be prioritized in small gardens?

<p>Fruit-bearing Plants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of sunlight for most food crops?

<p>At least 6 hours a day (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these plants can tolerate some shade, especially in the summer heat?

<p>Lettuces (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a good way to increase sunlight in a dark balcony?

<p>Using mirrors to reflect sunlight (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gardening aesthetic is encouraged in the text?

<p>Jungle-like (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a good example of a fast-growing plant that can be planted with a slow-growing plant?

<p>Radishes and Carrots (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of fruit-bearing plants that makes them a good choice for small gardens?

<p>They produce a lot of food. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea regarding riding a bike instead of driving?

<p>Biking can be a more efficient way to get around. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author emphasize about permaculture?

<p>Permaculture is a way of thinking that adapts to different situations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's perspective on growing food?

<p>It is possible to grow a significant amount of food even with limited space. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author suggest approaching the practice of permaculture?

<p>Relax, observe, and see how nature works. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guiding principle for successful urban farming, according to the text?

<p>Maximize the use of chemical fertilizers to boost growth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's perspective on the role of 'failure' in urban farming?

<p>Failure is an essential part of the learning process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author suggest prioritizing fruit trees and food plants in the garden?

<p>They provide a direct source of food or other resources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument against using turfgrass in an urban homestead?

<p>Turfgrass requires significant water and maintenance resources without providing direct benefits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of keeping a farmer's notebook?

<p>Tracking which vegetables were most successful in a specific location (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main message conveyed about dealing with plant problems in an organic garden?

<p>Organic gardeners need to be proactive in addressing plant problems before they worsen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of composting?

<p>Composting provides a sustainable way to dispose of yard waste and kitchen scraps. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is starting a compost pile considered an "Essential Project" for urban homesteading?

<p>Composting allows urban homesteaders to recycle their organic waste into valuable soil. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason given for planting crops in successive waves?

<p>To ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the "Essential Projects" section?

<p>To introduce fundamental practices for successful urban homesteading. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main takeaway about the "science" of composting?

<p>Composting is surprisingly simple and can be done effectively without elaborate techniques. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an essential project for urban homesteading, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Selecting the right type of gardening tools (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Beneficial Insects

Insects that provide ecological benefits, like pollination.

Drought-resistant Plants

Plants that thrive without supplemental irrigation in local conditions.

Seed Ball Ingredients

Components for making seed balls: clay, compost, seeds.

Clay Preparation

Steps to make clay suitable for seed balls: dry, grind, mix.

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Planting Rate

Recommended distribution of seed balls: ten per square yard.

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Permaculture Principle

Focus on producing food in gardens for sustainability.

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Adaptive Urban Gardening

Gardening that requires practicality and cleverness in city environments.

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Gardening Systems

Methods for efficient small space gardening: Square Foot, Biointensive, Biodynamic.

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Companion planting

Planting different crops together for mutual benefit.

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Fast-growing plants

Crops that mature quickly, like radishes.

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Dense planting

Growing multiple plants in a small space.

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Sun-greedy plants

Plants that require a lot of sunlight.

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Shady crops

Plants that prefer or tolerate less sunlight.

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Plant arrangement

Strategically placing plants for optimal growth.

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Small varieties

Compact versions of larger plants, suitable for limited space.

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Reflective surfaces

Using mirrors or light colors to enhance sunlight.

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Ecosystem Self-Sufficiency

Ecosystems like forests and deserts maintain balance without human intervention.

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Permaculture

A sustainable approach that imitates natural ecosystems to minimize human input.

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Guild

An interdependent planting system in permaculture, promoting mutual benefits among plants.

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Three Sisters

A planting technique using corn, beans, and squash that benefits each other.

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Nitrogen Fixer

Plants like beans that convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by other plants.

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Biodiversity Benefits

Diverse planting reduces the risk of total crop failure and minimizes pest threats.

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Monoculture

The agricultural practice of planting a single crop variety extensively.

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Sustainable Transportation

Using bikes instead of cars; it offers exercise and community connections.

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Seven Principles of Urban Farming

Key guidelines for successful urban agriculture, emphasizing usefulness and practicality.

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Grow Only Useful Things

Only cultivate plants that provide food, medicine, or other benefits.

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Build Your Soil

Enhance soil quality to support healthy plant growth and sustainability.

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Water Deeply and Less Frequently

Encourage strong root growth by deep, infrequent watering.

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Work Makes Work

Efforts in gardening lead to more effective results and efficiency over time.

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Failure is Part of the Game

Understand that setbacks are normal and part of the learning process in gardening.

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Keep Notes

Track observations and experiences to improve gardening practices.

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Free Mulch Sources

Local places that offer free mulch, like tree services.

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Mulching Materials

Acceptable yard trimmings for mulch without seeds.

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Wood Chips

Largish chips suitable for pathways but not ideal for food areas.

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Horse Bedding

Used bedding from stables that can be recycled as mulch.

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Plastic Mulch

Material that suppresses weeds but doesn't enhance soil health.

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Bug Infestations

The occurrence of harmful insects on plants that can cause damage.

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Harvest Record

A notation of when and what has been harvested from the garden.

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Compost Pile

A collection of decomposing organic matter used to enrich soil.

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Cabbage Worm

A pest that can damage cabbage and other brassica plants.

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Essential Projects

Indispensable hands-on activities for urban homesteading beginners.

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Crop Rotation

The practice of changing the types of crops grown in a specific area each season.

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Farmer’s Notebook

A personal record of planting details and harvests, essential for tracking.

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Urban Homesteading

Cultivating food and resources in an urban setting, emphasizing self-sufficiency.

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Study Notes

Interplanting and Balcony Gardening

  • Leafy greens and root vegetables share similar growing needs
  • Experienced gardeners can experiment with combining fast- and slow-growing plants (e.g., radishes and carrots)
  • Green onions can be planted amongst other crops, taking up little space and providing a ready supply
  • Planting diverse leafy greens together enhances variety
  • Vines like cucumbers can be trained to grow upward, leaving space for plants like dill at the base, for easy pickling
  • Fruit-bearing plants (e.g., beans, peas, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, squash) are preferable for smaller gardens due to their continuous production
  • Small varieties of zucchini and melon are suitable for trellises
  • Sunny spots are best for sun-loving plants (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants)
  • Most food crops need at least six hours of sunlight daily; however, lettuces and root vegetables can tolerate shade, especially during summer heat
  • Reflecting sunlight onto shaded areas can help plants thrive, using mirrors, white gravel, or white boards
  • Imitate natural ecosystems for a lush, productive garden.

Permaculture

  • Permaculture emphasizes transitioning from consumption to small-scale production, like gardening, to ensure food security
  • It advocates for diverse interplanting systems like the "Three Sisters" (corn, beans, squash) to improve efficiency, resilience, and minimize pest issues
  • The "Three Sisters" creates a symbiotic relationship between crops; the corn provides support, beans fix nitrogen, and squash suppresses weeds
  • A "Fourth Sister" (Rocky Mountain bee plant) has beneficial insects to protect other crops.
  • Permaculture values biodiverse systems reducing vulnerability to pest issues by monoculture.
  • Permaculture values efficient use of resources & minimizing human intervention, mirroring natural systems (e.g., forests/jungles)
  • Permaculture encourages a thoughtful and balanced approach to everyday life, using bicycle versus car as an example of multi-beneficial actions.

Composting and Soil Building

  • Important to create a compost pile (even without space) as a source for enriching soil
  • Composting transforms kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich soil
  • Soil building is beneficial for producing food
  • Dry red clay, organic compost, and seeds are mixed in specific ratios to create planting balls.
  • These balls, approximately marble-sized, are placed in the ground at a rate of 10 per square yard.
  • Use the correct materials for success - dry red clay, fine ground, organically sourced compost
  • Other potential materials such as wood chips (excluding those with seeds), horse bedding (with considerations for smell) are also effective for mulching

Urban Gardening Principles

  • Prioritize useful plants (edible, medicinal, forage, mulch)
  • Micro-gardens respect location-specific plant suitability; avoid wasting resources on plants that cannot thrive there
  • Build soil to cultivate better growing environment and plant suitability.
  • Water deeply but less frequently to prevent soil degradation & ensure effective plant growth and health
  • Accept gardening failures as part of the learning process
  • Maintain detailed records of planting, harvesting, and outcome observations to inform future decisions.

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