| This month, I have extensively written about topics I have researched concerning Plot 17 and allotment gardening. You might even be right if you suggested that I have rekindled my passion for writing and reignited my love for allotmenteering. My fondness for allotmenteering hadn’t disappeared; it was just the time I could dedicate to something I loved working on that was. The shortage of time motivated Suze and l to find alternative ways to farm for food for the table. Neither of us were willing to give up on a project that we have poured our hearts into since 2022. To avoid failure, we made the decision to work with systems that required less time in the long run, even if the short run would feel like a marathon. We eagerly looked at and introduced no-dig gardening methodology and permaculture principles. I have started to read up on topics like the circular economy in earnest, with not just the allotment but also my gardening business in mind. The last few weeks have been intense with my study and absorption of new content to introduce and develop new strategies for farming vegetables and fruit. Nothing is wasted as l am trying to incorporate as many new ideas and concepts as possible into the allotment and Earthly Comforts as a business. Bio-intensive agriculture is another topic I am keen to observe and begin navigation with. I know what you are thinking. What is bio-intensive farming? [Bio-I] In simple terms, it is a method of organic agriculture that focuses on producing maximum harvestable yields from the minimum amount of space—some might suggest that it is like a square foot or grid farming; however, it is also about increasing and sustaining the biodiversity of your growing space. The beauty of Bio-I is that once you have introduced it and become more acquainted with the practice, it is a great way to increase the productivity of organic growers. It also goes hand in hand with permaculture and the no-dig strategies we are also implementing for 2025. The most significant difference is that Bio-I goes one giant step further along the organic approach to growing food; it is more of a holistic pathway. Bio-I’s fundamental cores lie in renewables—space management and efficiency, companion planting, succession and intercropping techniques, various composting methods, and conservation techniques, to name a few. This year, we are determined to work in a very different style and maintain it for each season, incorporating all the methods I have written about here. |
| Bio-I looks at the following: Polyculture and Complimentary Companion Planting Close Space Planting Creating internal microclimates within small spaces Introducing different composting systems Improving soil microbiology Preparing and repairing soil retention, nutrients, erosion and disturbance Looking at innovative ways of harvesting, capturing and conserving natural resources Balancing nutrients within soils and, where possible, replenishing lost microbes and carbon Working to achieve rich soils for future seasons with minimal losses Using and utilising organic and natural sprays to combat pests |
| Bio-I’s credo is to be as environmentally friendly to the land as possible while growing as much food as possible in a smaller space. |
Earthly Comforts 
Best of luck Rory with your allotment project
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Thanks Sadje 🙂
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You’re most welcome
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