Maybe a dumb question but why does a nutrient rich compost-soil make the plants grow downwards instead of spreading out?
this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2023
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Not a stupid question at all! This method works for several reasons:
- Typical soil contains the majority of nutrients in the topsoil layer, which is roughly 1-10in (2.5-25cm) deep. Because compost is added up to 2ft (60cm) deep, roots will grow much deeper to take advantage of the easily accessible nutrients.
- When the soil is kept loose, plants can grow roots through it much easier; French intensive gardening focuses on loosening the soil very deeply and avoids compacting it so plants don't have to expend as much energy pushing their roots through hard soil.
- As a result of plants growing roots deeper rather than wider, they're able to be planted much more densely and grow more produce than market gardening in the same size plot!