Back to Eden Gardening....Greenwood Style

We have been avid gardeners / canners for several years now. And during that time, we're always seeking new methods that will make our lives easier, increase production, etc... Last year we incorporated raised-row gardening after visiting the Old World Garden Farms website and reading their book. This year we are using the Back to Eden method, but with our own spin on it. Last year when we began using the raised-row method, we built up our growing rows with rich soil and let grass grow on our walking rows in order to incorporate the "no-till method" of gardening. After lots of research, we've found that tilling only disturbs the natural balance of the soil and gives weeds a better chance to grow. However, mowing the walking rows was time consuming and grass runners invaded our growing rows. At the end of our summer season, we covered our raised rows and our one raised bed with heavy black plastic.

This method, hopefully, killed all the weed seeds and grass (along with any remaining squash bugs...which is a whole other story). We decided to use the Back to Eden method on our walking rows this year. In short, using bark mulch to hold in moisture and keep out weeds. I'll still be using straw mulch on the growing rows. We wanted to put down an extra barrier between last years grass and the bark mulch. So, we've been saving up paper feed sacks (from the feed we use for our cattle) for months. Also, we were able to get our bark mulch for FREE by contacting the city barn where they had piles of bark from trimming trees. We completed one walking row today (with several more to go).

I'll be keeping you updated on the garden this summer. Especially, if this makes the work load easier. Plus, I'll be sharing lots of canning recipes.....both hot water bath and pressure canning.

Here are some helpful websites for more information. Happy gardening!!
 

https://oldworldgardenfarms.com/raised-row-gardening/

https://www.backtoedenfilm.com/#/