Much of the traditional garden area is taken by the space between the rows. An intensive garden minimizes wasted space, but there is a limit on how much you can reduce open space. When you go beyond those limits, you open the door to control nightmares from disease and insects. Intensive gardens concentrate efforts to create better yields with less labor. Fewer pathways and closely spaced plants often mean less weeding, but the work usually must be done by hand.
Some gardeners prefer using machine cultivation on long rows to hand weeding.
Soil preparation is the key to successful intensive gardening. Plants must have adequate nutrients and water to grow together so closely. Humus rich soil will hold extra nutrients, and existing elements locked up in the soil are released by the actions of earthworms, microorganisms and humic acids. Nurseries and garden centers have specially prepared mixes that are excellent to use alone or incorporated in your soil. Use landscape timbers or railroad cross ties to enclose your bed.