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Bed Layout 2026

Overview

The initial bed layout is designed to test plant combinations and soil-building effects.

The first implementation uses small, manageable zones.

Bed Dimensions

Working model:

1 m × 20 m = 20 m² per bed

Initial target:

4-5 beds
80-100 m² total

Bed A: Alfalfa + Amaranth + Phacelia

Purpose

  • deep rooting;
  • biomass production;
  • microbial stimulation;
  • pollinator support.

Expected Soil Effects

  • improved root channels;
  • more organic matter;
  • increased biological activity;
  • moderate mulch production.

Management

Cut before full seed maturity if biomass is needed as mulch.

Leave residues on the bed.

Bed B: Alfalfa + Amaranth + Clover

Purpose

  • nitrogen fixation;
  • living mulch;
  • biomass production;
  • moisture retention.

Expected Soil Effects

  • cooler soil surface;
  • reduced evaporation;
  • improved nitrogen cycling;
  • improved long-term cover.

Management

Avoid full removal of clover.

Cut selectively and allow regrowth.

Bed C: Alfalfa + Amaranth + Buckwheat

Purpose

  • phosphorus mobilization;
  • fast soil cover;
  • biomass production;
  • comparison against Beds A and B.

Expected Soil Effects

  • faster canopy closure;
  • weed suppression;
  • improved nutrient cycling.

Management

Buckwheat should be cut before heavy seed drop if self-seeding is not desired.

Bed D: Cherry Tomatoes + Basil + Marigold + Nasturtium

Purpose

  • limited food production;
  • pest observation;
  • greenhouse microclimate monitoring;
  • human motivation, because apparently people still like eating.

Expected Soil Effects

This bed is not primarily a soil-building bed.

It is used to monitor crop response under greenhouse conditions.

Management

  • mulch heavily;
  • monitor water demand;
  • track disease pressure;
  • compare plant performance under different mulch depths.

Optional Bed E: Autumn Greens

Purpose

Late-season production after initial site work.

Possible crops:

  • spinach;
  • arugula;
  • radish;
  • daikon;
  • kale;
  • winter onion;
  • garlic.

Expected Soil Effects

  • continued living root presence;
  • winter soil cover;
  • food production with low input.

Observation Notes

For each bed, record:

  • sowing date;
  • emergence date;
  • irrigation frequency;
  • growth rate;
  • pest pressure;
  • mulch thickness;
  • soil moisture under mulch;
  • decomposition rate after cutting.