The technology of growing plants in private household plots has many examples of original solutions that give good results. For example, gardeners have heard about Mittleider beds, which are characterized by ease of care and productivity. Let's look at the features of a vegetable garden according to Mitlider, the advantages and disadvantages of the technology, how to properly create beds with your own hands and what mistakes should be avoided.
What is a vegetable garden according to Mittleider
The author of the method is Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Dkakob Mittleider. Its uniqueness lies in the creation of conditions for plants under which they can produce high yields under different soil, weather and climatic conditions.
The essence of the method is to eliminate competition between cultures. All plants must be provided with a sufficient amount of light, nutrition, water, and space, which will ensure the development and fruit formation of crops. The beds according to Mitlider have a peculiarity - they are narrow with wide row spacing. It is believed that this way you can get more vegetables than with traditional planting, although less space will be used.
There are also special features regarding plant nutrition - organic matter is not used for fertilizing, and mineral fertilizers are applied fractionally and according to a certain pattern.
Positive and negative sides
Advantages of cultivation technology according to Mitlider:
- productivity;
- improving the taste and presentation of fruits;
- acceleration of seed germination when sowing directly into the soil;
- easier plant care due to wide row spacing;
- ease of care;
- saving water and fertilizers;
- the ability to use the technology on any soil and in any climate;
- saving covering material when constructing greenhouses.
Disadvantages of the method: the beds are surrounded by sides; they are often made of wood, which requires treatment with antiseptic agents.
How to make narrow beds according to Mittleider with your own hands
For the technology to work, the beds must be made and placed correctly.
Selecting a location
The choice of location plays an important role. According to technology, the beds must be located on a flat area, therefore, if it is located on a slight hill or lowland, it must first be leveled. Placing the structure in a low-lying area is not recommended because the roots of vegetables are placed shallowly and can become rotten due to dampness.
Dimensions
On average, the dimensions of the beds according to Mitlider are as follows: width - 45 cm, row spacing is 2 times wider - 90 cm. The length is not limited, but usually 9 m. The beds are fenced on 4 sides with 10 cm sides. Inside the sides you need to dig up and level the beds so that there are no slopes to either side.
Arrangement
To arrange the beds you will need tools: a shovel, a pitchfork, a rake, a tape measure, pegs, a rope. It is recommended to place the ridges in the direction from south to north so that the sun can illuminate all the plants evenly.
After this, you should mark the ridges, place pegs in the corners and stretch a rope between them. Place the sides along the lines and dig them into the ground to hold them in place. The height of ordinary sides is 10 cm; they need to be increased if soil or soil mixture was added to level the surface. At the beginning and end of the beds, you can place plastic arcs, on which, if necessary, to build a greenhouse, you can stretch the film.
Common Mistakes
The construction of Mittleider ridges is not that difficult, but it is important to avoid mistakes. The following are common: violation of the requirement to level the beds; this leads to the formation of a slope, towards which water flows during irrigation, and fertilizers are carried away. There is an excess of them, and in another part there is a deficiency.
Violation of the order of planting. According to the rules, large crops, such as cabbage, are planted in a checkerboard pattern, while small crops are planted on the sides of the beds, in 2 lines. Fertilizers are applied to the middle.
The frequency of watering should not be violated. It is generally recommended to water the plants every day, but in small amounts. Fertilize every week with specially prepared mixtures.
Mitlider beds are one of the popular and interesting technologies, understandable and accessible to every gardener. To build beds, you only need wooden sides, correct placement of the structure and compliance with the size of the beds. And, of course, do not forget about proper watering and nutrition.
