In beds of more than two rows an equidistant spacing pattern calls for rows to be staggered so that plants in every other row are between the plants in adjacent rows. The distance recommended for plants is the distance from the center of one plant to the center of the next. This spacing results in an efficient use of space and leaves less area to weed and mulch. The close spacing tends to create a nearly solid leaf canopy, acting as a living mulch, decreasing water loss, and keeping weed problems down. However, plants should not be crowded to the point at which disease problems arise or competi- tion causes stunting or reduced yield.
Succession planting is another excellent way to make the most of an intensive garden.
To obtain a succession of crops, plant something new in the spots vacated by spent plants. This technique can gain several weeks of growing time for a crop but requires good coordination on the part of the gardener to avoid damage to the new crop as spent crops are removed. Trellising or caging of crops can saves space. However, it may make harvesting more difficult for some individuals as raising the hand above the head is very tiring. For tough vines such as peas and pole beans, a string trellis could be modified so that the top support bar is suspended from a pulley allowing the vines to be lowered for easy harvest.