Kitchen waste, garden trimmings, and many other forms of organic matter, when properly composted, provide the elements necessary to maintain the biological cycles of life that exist in the home garden. The structure and the microbiotic life of the soil are improved by compost, which creates better aeration and water retention. As the soil's health improves, optimum plant health is maintained, and garden yields are maximized. Research has shown that many plants grow better when near certain other plants. Green beans and strawberries, for instance, thrive better when they are grown together.
Some plants are useful in repelling pests, while others attract beneficial insect life.
Borage, for example, helps control tomato worms while its blue flowers attract bees. Use of companion planting aids the gardener in producing fine-quality vegetables and helps create and maintain a healthy, vibrant soil. It is important to realize that the Biointensive Food-Raising Method is a whole system and that the components of the method must all be used together for the optimum effect. This is Ecology Action's revised manual which has been published in 8 languages and is in use in 110 countries. It outlines, defines, and gives instructions on Biointensive food-raising.