Each area is about 6X10 feet. In the first season, the soil was tilled, amended and covered with this thick fabric. Over the entire thing, we have set up a drip water system.
At the end of the growing season, we dig out any plants that have gone to seeds or look too weak, remove the fabric and plant fava or peas as a cover crop. The legumes will take about two months to mature. Then, the fruit is harvested, and the stalks will be tilled under.
Each area will be rotated with different crops, starting and ending with legumes.
The rotation, depending on the weather, can go from fall to summer. On my patio, however, I grow my herbs. Some seasons, I get lucky and have tomatoes, peppers and eggplants growing right out of my living room window.
Rotation:
1.legumes
2. lettuces, arugula, onions, garlic, kale, chard, spinach
3. squashes and melons
4. cruciferous, beets, carrots.
The above area just had brussel sprouts, a variety of cabbages, broccoli, cowliflower, rape, lettuces, onions and garlic. This morning, I took advantage of some sunshine and did some weeding and clearing. When the weeding is finished, I will remove the fabric and plant fava.
Many times, I harvest just a few sprigs of each plant, and after I saute' them in olive oil, garlic and hot peppers, I serve them over pasta for a light lunch.
They make an amazing combination!
Even in the middle of winter, I can always find wild arugula, some spinach, some broccoli florets. What a great combination to add to any meal.
