The bible of bio-intensive farming is the book
' How to Grow More Vegetables'
by John Jeavons (Ten Speed Press).

The basic goal of bio-intensive farming is to develop the soil to such a degree as to create conditions to obtain as much four times the yield of conventional agriculture. The concept is not new as has been practiced in many societies for thousands of years.

The Five Components of Bio-Intensive Farming

Double-dug, raised beds
Crops are planted in beds that are double-dug;. The soil is dug 12 inches down, then
loosened an additional 12 inches. Having loose soil 24 inches down enables plant roots
to penetrate easily, and incorporates oxygen deep into the soil. This loosening of the
soil creates raised-bed.

Intensive Planting
Seeds or seedlings are planted in beds three to five feet wide using a
hexagonal spacing pattern. Each plant is placed the same distance from all seeds
nearest to it so that when the plants mature, their leaves touch. This creates a micro-climate; under the leaves that retains moisture, protects the valuable microbiotic life of the soil, retards weed growth and provides for high yields. This method
avoids problems encountered when planting in narrow rows.

Composting
Garbage, manure, vegetation and many other forms of organic matter, when properly
composted, provide the elements necessary to maintain and even improve soil structure
and the biological cycles of life that exist in the soil. Compost also creates better
aeration and water retention. As the soil's health improves, optimum plant health is
maintained and yields are maximized.

Companion Planting
Research has shown that many plants grow better when near certain other
plants. Green beans and strawberries thrive when they are grown together. Some plants
are useful in repelling pests, while others attract beneficial insect life. Borage, an herb, helps control tomato worms
while its blue flower attracts bees. Use of companion planting aids the farmer in producing fine quality vegetables
and helps maintain a healthy, vibrant soil.

Whole System Synergy
Bio-intensive is a whole-system food raising method in which all components must be
used together for optimum effect. Merely spacing plants closer is not enough. Farmers
experimenting with such intensive spacing in Europe, while not using companion planting
and still employing chemical fertilizers, found themselves beset with deteriorating soil
fertility. As soil fertility declines, yields diminish, populations of beneficial insects are reduced,
and plant resistance is lowered.

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