Kind of tangential but there's a group called "Ecology Action" that have developed what they call GROW BIOINTENSIVE® Sustainable Mini-Farming "that when practic

Kind of tangential but there's a group called "Ecology Action" that have developed what they call GROW BIOINTENSIVE® Sustainable Mini-Farming "that when practiced correctly, nurtures healthy soil fertility, produces high yields, conserves resources and can be used successfully by almost everyone." http://growbiointensive.org/grow_main.html http://growbiointensive.org/grow_main.html The system uses 5000ft² (465m²) per person, provides a nutritionally-complete diet, and builds topsoil volume and fertility over time. They're selling it but there's more than enough information to grok the system w/o paying (if you're broke or just cheap.) Quoting from the above link, the key points are: - Double-Dug, Raised Beds - Composting - Intensive Planting - Companion Planting - Carbon Farming - Calorie Farming - The Use of Open-Pollinated Seeds - A Whole-System Farming Method > Most life in nature occurs at the interface of soil, water, air and sun. GROW BIOINTENSIVE soil preparation practices create growing beds with more surface area to maximize the effect of nature’s life processes. Double-dug beds, with soil loosened to a depth of 24 inches, aerate the soil, facilitate root growth, and improve water retention. The health and vigor of the soil are maintained through the use of compost. Close plant spacing is used to protect soil microorganisms, reduce water loss, and maximize yields. Companion planting facilitates the optimal use of nutrients, light and water, encourages beneficial insects and creates a vibrant mini-ecosystem within the garden. A focus on the production of calories for the farmer and carbon for the soil ensures that both the farmer and the soil will be adequately fed and that the farm will be sustainable. The use of open-pollinated seeds helps to preserve genetic diversity and enables gardeners to develop their own acclimatized cultivars. All of the components of this system must be used together for optimum effect and to avoid depleting the soil.