From sgian AT planetc.com Sun Dec 5 12:57:55 2004Return-Path: <sgian AT planetc.com>
There are two distinct disadvantages to multiple crops in discrete beds and planting areas scattered around the homestead. The first is simply that the best gardens are maintained by frequent visits by the gardener, who quickly sees something happening and makes an adjustment, whether extra water or picking squash bugs before they become a full-blown invasion.
The second disadvantage is disruption of the rotation schedule. It's lots easier to have rotation follow a circular pattern around the garden, each bed having one crop, followed by the appropriate succession crop. In my experience, really high organic content can ameliorate incorrect pH, so if one has the wealth of immense mulch, rotation is less critical.
I do the same with carrots. Just put heavy mulch on the beds and leave the roots in place, where they are most happy. Climate dictates where this practise works. As does temperament. Some common people object to digging spuds in January.
My first thought is that you were lucky. Many predators eat a bite here and a bite there, ruining many more than they consume.
I believe a diligent person using intensive gardening can feed a family of four on a half acre or less, including vegetables, fruits, chickens and rabbits. I've not yet tried it with grain, so don't have a feel for that land requirement.
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