Footpathnc

http://www.footpathnc.org/blog/2014/6/2/biointensive-farming-and-double-digging www.footpathnc.org/blog

Biointensive Farming & Double Digging Over the last 30 years, John Jeavons of Ecology Action has helped to
popularize the biointensive and double digging farming technique for
growing vegetables. This technique produces maximum yields from a minimum
area. It simultaneously improves and maintains the fertility of the soil
through organic compost without the use of potentially harmful and
expensive chemicals. The method uses less water, land, machinery, and
fertilizer than conventional agricultural methods, but requires more human
labor in the short-run. Soil is able to maintain aeration for plant
respiration in raised beds as soil is not compacted by walking or
machinery, and in subsequent seasons the soil can be quickly tilled (U-bar
digger/broadfork).

Information can be gleaned from this website and links below:
http://www.johnjeavons.info

Below is a very abbreviated and interpreted concept summary of the
bio-intensive technique that can be used to enhance your backyard garden or
mini-

http://www.footpathnc.org/blog/cobhouse www.footpathnc.org/blog

Building a Cob House We want to promote innovative ways to farm and build. Cob is a mixture of
clay, sand, and straw. Cob building is a cost effective way (though labor
intensive) to construct a house, shed, hot tub, and pizza oven etc. The
thatched roof cob homes in the UK are beautiful and last forever.

Benefits:

* Easy to learn
* Inexpensive
* Stable
* Energy efficient
* Environmentally friendly
* Unique community building

Links to learn:

http://risingearthbuilding.blogspot.com/ - North Carolina

http://cobandon.blogspot.com/ - North Carolina

http://www.thiscobhouse.com/

http://www.cobcottage.com/

Books

Free online book: http://www.weblife.org/cob/

Building with Cob: A Step-by-Step Guide by Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce -
http://www.amazon.com/Building-Cob-Step-Step-Sustainable/dp/1903998727