Where the field disagrees · family
High-Density Beds Versus Wide Spacing
1Pack plants intensively in raised beds using square-foot or close spacing to maximize yield per area and shade out weeds while conserving soil moisture (“All New Square Foot Gardening”, “Urban Gardening For Dummies”)
2Space plants deliberately wide so each accesses more soil moisture and nutrients without competition, claiming higher per-plant productivity (“Gardening When It Counts Growing Food in Hard Times”)
What turns on it · Spacing sets your total yield, watering needs, and how much ground you must prepare and maintain.
Drawn from The Bicycle Guide to Grow Food At Home — read it free, in full.
Where the field disagrees · family
Deep Irrigation Versus Dust-Mulch Dry Farming
1Water deeply and regularly at the root zone to keep plants supplied (most books)
2Eliminate irrigation by repeatedly hoeing a loose 'dust mulch' that seals moisture into the soil below (“Gardening When It Counts Growing Food in Hard Times”)
What turns on it · Your choice dictates water bills, labor rhythm, and whether the garden survives drought or water restrictions.
Drawn from The Bicycle Guide to Grow Food At Home — read it free, in full.
Where the field disagrees · family
Engineered Mix Versus Native Living Soil
1Build beds from a soil-less blend of one-third each peat, vermiculite, and compost ('Mel's Mix') for instant weed-free, well-drained fertility (“All New Square Foot Gardening”)
2Improve and build the existing native soil in place so a living soil ecosystem develops over time (most organic books)
What turns on it · This determines your startup cost, how soon you can plant, and whether fertility is a one-time purchase or an ongoing living process.
Drawn from The Bicycle Guide to Grow Food At Home — read it free, in full.