Chinese Raised Gardens

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As you turn the earth, work in compost, manure, sand, lime, or whatever soil tests indicate that the earth needs. And be sure to dig a small, narrow trench between the base of the bed and the paths, to catch water runoff and send washed-away nutrients back into the bed rather than onto the area where you'll walk. Finally, smooth and shape the top and sides of the plot with a rake ... remove the twine ... and move on to the next bed.

It's best to leave the corner stakes in—as Peter Chary has suggested—because they'll help prevent your hose from dragging across young plants as you water. Don't, however, be tempted to shore up the sides of your beds with rocks or railroad ties, as such supports would provide fine homes for slugs and snails.

Remember, too, not to crowd your vegetables when you plant. In a bed that's three feet wide at the top, for example, make only one row—down the center—of such spreading crops as cucumbers, zucchini, and squash ... two rows of cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, peas, beans, and corn (you can stagger these plants to give them even more room)... or four rows of garlic, leeks, and scallions.

OTHER WISDOM

Another bit of simple "technology" has to do with watering: In China, farmers always take care of this chore in the morning, rather than in the evening, because they feel that the cold "bath" at that time helps to stun and sicken aphids, small worms, and other pests that like to dine during the cooler part of the day. Although extremely hot, dry weather sometimes makes it necessary to give the crops another drink in the late afternoon, the Chinese point out that plants are not performing photosynthesis at night and thus don't need water. Besides, evening moisture evaporates more slowly, and the "standing" humidity attracts many insects, and encourages the development of destructive fungi and mildew. Tomato blight, for instance, often occurs when the soil is too damp.

Fortunately, with the good drainage provided by raised beds, your vegetables won't have to contend with "wet feet", and—even after a heavy rain—you'll find that the earth begins to dry and becomes ready-to-work much sooner than would that in a regular row garden ... while moisture is actually held longer beneath the soil, stimulating root development.

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