Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
By Jacob R. Mittleider
Adjustments & Improvements Since Publication
Page #
Original Book
Recommended Changes
33.
Grow-Boxes 5 wide . . .
38.
Aisles of 3 . . .
38.
41.
43.
Spreader board 2 X 4 X 6
46.
47.
48.
Pre-Plant formula . . .
Apply 12# 2 oz to soil
Apply 5# lime to soil
Weekly Feed nothing said
53.
54.
55.
A marker for uniform plant spacing Use an 8-long 2 X 2 board, with dowels 6 apart on one
side and 7 apart on the opposite side.
56.
64.
Transplanting Solution
68.
69.
Nearly 95% of a plants weight . Water constitutes about 80% of a plants total weight. As
much as 95% of the water entering a plant on a hot day
passes through as transpiration, to keep the plant cool.
71.
72.
73.
Very Important
75.
76-86.
97-108.
Filling Grow-Boxes in Greenhouse Use Pre-Plant Mix 1 oz/ft in 18 & 2 oz/ft in 4 boxes.
111.
Now add the Pre-Plant fertilizer . . Use Pre-Plant formula of calcium, magnesium, and boron
In the ratio of 80-4-1. Apply 1 oz/ft in 18 box & 2 oz/ft
In 4 box. Apply Weekly Feed at oz/ft in 18 box & 1
Oz/ft in 4 box.
D. & Note
Lime or gypsum is not needed in addition to Pre-Plant Mix.
Plants in the greenhouse are fed a The same amount of fertilizer is used whether plants are in
larger amount of fertilizer.
The greenhouse or outside in the garden and whether in
the soil-beds or Grow-Boxes.
112.
114.
115.
Plants appear to be nutrient hungry Increase the feedings to twice per week for two weeks.
116-117.
For training vining and climbing . . Recommend 1 row of plants per bed or box, with alternate
Plants going up baling-twine strings to 2 rows of wire, pipe,
or 2 X 4s on edge 28 apart. Aisle space at the top is
33 in the two aisles.
The bottom end of the string . . .
Is tied to tie-wire placed at the base of the plants. The tiewire is attached at both ends of the Grow-Box and to
stakes at maximum intervals of 10 the length of the box.
121.
123.
135.
Starting seedlings for transplanting Tomatoes and peppers take 8 weeks from seed to transplant-size plants, so growing these in a protected environment can save you that much time. Large-seeded plants
like beans or squash take much less time to grow to
transplant size, so you will be saving only 3 to 4 weeks.
Bottoms can be made with 3 slats
Using 5 or 6 narrower slats to cover the bottom is better.
136.
137.
138.
140-141.
145.
Common soil us usually more work Many years experience in soils all around the world taught
and somewhat less rewarding than Dr. Mittleider that growing in the soil was just as productGrow-Boxes or greenhouses.
ive as Grow-Boxes & greenhouses. See 6 Steps to Success
ful gardening, Grow-Bed Gardening, and The Mittleider
Gardening Course books for greatest success in the soil.
146-153
173.
Appendix II
183.
Appendix III
187.
Appendix IV
192.
Appendix V
mittIeider
grow-box
gcwdens
Dr. .IR llitt1.eid.er
mittleider
grow-box
gardens
BY
DON BERGGREN
Copyright 1975 by Jacob R. Mittleider, under the title "More Food From Your
Garden."
This edition printed by arrangements with Woodbridge Press Publishing Company,
California 93111.
All rights reserved. This book or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form
whatsoever. whether by graphic. visual. electronic, or any other means; or be translated
into any language, devices, or symbols. without the written permission of International
Food Production Mettlods. Inc.
Post Office Box 17114. Satt Lake City. Utah 84117.
Library of Congress Catak>g Card Number: 78-52953
Printed in the United States of America
D
This book is dedicated to my family Mildred Mittleider, patient and supportive wife, tolerant and brave
amid the frustration and uncertainty of life with an adventurous
husband. Without her, success would not have been possible.
Douglas and Carol Deitrich, son-in-law and daughter, who
encouraged me in the development of the first experimental models
that stimulated this entire program; and who still inspire toward
continuing refinement and perfecting.
Dr. James R. and Jeannie Wise, son-in-law and daughter, who
also built and planted the early model gardens whose success was
convincing evidence that millions could benefit from these
extraordinarily productive techniques - if only they had the
information.
To these, and others, who encouraged and motivated me to
accomplish that in which I really believed, I gratefully dedicate this
book.
-The Author
FORE.WORD... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
II
a"..WHAT 15 TH~
M1TTL.e.IDE.R. METHOD
?.
Z"!
2>3
~1
4S
PLANNING YOUR
77
~DE.N LAYOUT.. 51
!lV... MAKlNG
en
A SIMPL.E
OD.... succesSFuL
G~HOU5E GARDENING
/O'l
uf6
n~
143
OPEN FURROW
THE HARVE.'5T
ISS
110
.!S .. MITTLEIDER
FERTII.-I"l.E.R FOf<,MULA'5 ....... 11~
~..PLANT NUTRIENT
DE.F/CIENCI E'5
183
m.. iVlATE.RIAI.-S
LiSTS FOR
Gr<DW- eoXE.S AND
GREEN HOU6E.,=>
1f'1
~ .. COMME.RCIAI.- APPLICATIONS
OF THE. MITTL.E.IDER METHOD.... 1'12
The Author
Willis J. Hackett
Vice President
World Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Advisory Chairman
Education and World Relief
Washington, D. C.
1/
".
Jacob R. Mittleider
The "miracle" garden yields you may have been reading about
lately are for real- and actually are the result of some fairly simple
r>ew applications of well-established agricultural principles.
Jacob R. Mittleider is the plant"magician"who has been in scores
of countries these past few years turning people on to the thrills of
unbelievable gardening success.
He has moved into food-problem areas of New Guinea, Africa,
Bang ladesh, Lati n America, the U.S.A. - and has started a "food
revolution" every time.
How about 30 tons of sweet potatoes where only 4 had previously
oeen possible? or 6,000 pounds of rice where only 1,000 pounds
..ere considered normal? or 100 tons of tomatoes compared with 20
Ooefore?
Experts say that with Mittleider's simple methods, this earth could
leed nine times its present population - with no further agricultural
<nowledge. That's about 32 billion people!
These same simple methods - now presented for the first time in
a popular book - can help you to feed your family more
abundantly... with food grown more easily ... in less space ... with
'ewer gardening problems ... than you ever thought possible.
The Mittleider Method can be used on any kind of ground rocky, hilly. alkaline, clay, depleted; in any kind of climate - hot,
moderate, cold; at any time of year - winter or summer.
If you are so inclined, this method can be used to attain complete
economic self-sufficiency on less than half an acre of land!
/3
15
Abandoned as "devil land" - totally useless until the Mittleider Method was applied
- this plot now provides a good diet tor college students, and surpluses to sell tor
additional school funds.
17
Africa to the Arctic - searing heat, freezing cold cannot stop the amazing productivity of
nature when provided with adequate nutrients, water, shelter.
This African land Is producing many times its former yield with cuslom-made soil in
Mittleider grow-boxes - 44 Ions of cabbage per acre every 12 weeks!
poverty and hunger to one of health, good food, good income self-sufficiency and pride!
This has actually happened to so many families in so many parts
of the world that an Okinawan magazine was moved to describe
Mittleider as "a man who can give hope to people throughout the
world."
Because his simple methods have proved so eminently successful
for so many people in so many countries, M iltleider is convinced
that "hunger is no longer an agricultural problem; it is a human
problem, a social problem." If politicians, educators, and interest
groups can cooperate, he says, this world can feed an expanding
population indefinitely.
In the meantime, the Mittleider method can certainly be a helping
hand for you, your family, and your friends ... in making gardening
far more rewarding - and productive - than you ever thought
gardening could be.
1'1
Mittleider growboxes can be used for large-scale production of garden crops - or, in
ones and twos, for backyard family gardens - with the same productivity.
Can you imagine this concentration of luscious tomatoes In ordinary gardening? This
Mittleider grow-box provides ideal soli conditions and adequate nutrllion to support
close planting and heavy bearing - more food In less space!
Rocky hillsides become productive farms with the grow-box technique. The boxes can be
used on any kind ot terrain, over any kind ot soil- previously barren land can "blossom as
the rose"!
2.1
One grow-box for 'the back yard or hundreds ot them for a university
demonstration farm - the same spectacular results are realized all over the
world. Mittleider students cover a steep hillside with boxes.
Six thousand pounds ot rice per acre on land that used to produce 800 to
1,200 pounds; 21,000 pounds ot green beans and 28,000 pounds of sweet
potatoes per acre on previously unusable land. That's why the Mittleider
Method is called a "food revolution" In many countries.
Crowds gather in the city to see the simple Mittleider grow-boxes and
super-simple greenhouse-eovering demonstrated as a means toward more
self-reliance in home food production.
Name it and you can plant it in your grow-box - tender bell peppers, melons of atl kinds;
in high concentrations with high yields, for the greatest amount of food possible in
whatever space you have to use.
2"\
p~reo
IN (HI'?
ea:>f'. .
H~ N43; SOME
ee.
GIVEN TO
4: '6YGTEMi'"G WbiEf'.lNG
THE. tvlITTlEJDEf'. tvlE::Tf-\OV U5f;S 40 PEfZ.GE::NT
AND
?>I
GITH
ro
~F-OINAI<Y
~ING.
E';.XPeN6IV6
c;.N ourPEf2.FO,*"
~u(PMENT.
~.
k.
tEff 10 CAAr-JCE:
The best
features of
organic,
hydroponic,
and regular
gardening
produce
outstanding
quality in
the Mittleider
Method
Nitrogen
Symptoms of nutritional
deficiencies. You no
longer need to leave
plants to the mercy of
depleted or hostile soils.
The Mittleider nutritional
program will prevent
most deficiencies and
provides help should they
appear. See Appendix III
for description of
symptoms and corrective
measures.
Potassium
Potassium
Calcium
Boron
Molybdenum
~~
000
~ ~
ruro ~ ~
000
Of
~TILlZ.~.
SU~IL,AN!? ~P-b
t-1ANY
I.......EN'"
IT HA? A CCVL.ING
~
d \
~e:cr d J
~ __.
f\:'
'" '"
\,
GI20WING PLANTS IN
va
WITH
~S
OF
YE:/>f--
'0
.1
EVEN IN
Nl&6
TEMPEf2,A.TUFCS ,1111::
~-eo)(Ee>
35
?
?
,0 -rne.
Ne:Weo
f7(
MAN.
, i Ii II I
W..J:1TTt'..u-'-'5ELECT A SUNNY LOCATION,
IN CCOL CLlMATEOS, etJlLD eoXcs
R::OF'-,
HILLSIDE; L,6NV, ttaALY SOIL) CLAY) ALt<Al-1) CJr2.- A5F'HN-T.
mCSNT MA11Bf1., TIlE' GflOW-/!:O><Y.3> WILL WOf!-l<.!
JUST LEVEL 012- T!0J2.12,ACE:. THE: SPfCE: R?F'- 11/G
GI'OW-eoXGS. PIZOVIt?e. Ga::>O 1:'/'NN.NSE': AWAY Ff'avI
THG Gl'OW- f!;OxG0. f2<XTf5 'OF'OWN IN
YOU CAN f:.\IEN eoll-O Gl'OW-eoXE:5 ON
rr
STANOING WI'ifGft..
GPOW-!;OX.
<:::::".~~
-~
e:o,..,e.o
~.
40
LEva
/1
/1
LeVSLW~.
THEN NAIL.
TO
.............
::
e<?AF'O
\\,Ji.,
EN~ Meet.
NAIL A 5-FOOT
f!>OX ENO- PIEce (I".ei')
TO E/>Ql END OF -me
LEVELED 51 DE.
\~;::'>
0
41
~c;i
])~IVI?-
A ST!'J' NEAl'- mE
ceJTEI' OF eoTH 5-FOOT ea<
42
"'
Members of a Mittleider class and workshop clean up the area after construction of
grow-boxes. The boxes are now ready to be filled with custom-made soli.
o~
'If>
IICU5TO!'.H"VVE. OIL II 15
USeD TO {WOlD C~p FAH.U~S.
CflOPG FAlL. IN 5TUe:>e:oFaN)
HAW-TO-MANAGe OILS
~.J.cp:. ~USe OF OIL 'D1Ge:ASE
../-.....-.uI.,.;>L--U-"l.LJu.l-~~--.c~~
f"J..J.-
'1
00
111m
..
NUTfZJEtJTS
4S
O~
PIeces.
a:il3g
wcoo.
OF
FfleSH FIlOI-1 THE 'SAW Oil- I'eF:D - EITtIZloS ea:>o. ""VOI'O ~VING9. THEY ~ MI~~ To
MIX Pt-Jo PL,t>.N, IN. TJ-IEY TE.ND TO FLATTEN INTo
/.AYrEfl4; f>..NO
4au~.
CAN
~ '>NJO)
Yourz.
f20aG)
~VEL)GOOD 5OIL)~,)CLAYJ
0(2. CEMENT.
G(2OW-f!;C)'I.
erzow-
COM~INATIONS
[..I6rW E?,AfZ.L.1e.F-.
~: OVE~-FIUEO
EOXE,S CAN NOT
ee.
WATEf2erl ,bCCUAATel.'(.
41
HE~ ~
.~
5Pf1.EAO THIS 'DF-Y MIXTUf2.E: E.VENLY OVEf2THE. "WSTOH-MADE: SOIL. I' IN THE. Grzow-ex:;;>)(..
NoW 5f'~ S POUNV5 GYPSUM (LIME)
EVENL.Y OVEf2.. THE. Gt2-OW-exJX Af2EA f2-1GHT Ol'-l
TOP OF 'TIlE orH~ FE.j2.TIUl.E.US.
~: FO~ LIME. I USE GYPSUM IN ~tO ~AS.
USE: AGf'ICUt..TUAAL O~ DOL.OMITE.
L.1t-1E IN Af2.6A'5 THAT GeT MOrz.e, THAN
'2.0 INCHES OF (Z,6.IN YeAf2.L.Y .
~Y}
TO
~f'
0\\
" 0
~reOEN
'(IEL-OS ANYWHe,e.E.) IN
4-.
C\ 't.
_:~
GFOW-eox :
G~N
eEANS
TOMATOES
PEPPEr<..:;
HEf2bS
CEL.Ef1-Y
PEN-!UT'3
MELONS
ZUCCHINI
f#OCCOL./
CUCUM~'3
PfAs
CAU/.../FLOWE~
~T5
'3f'//-lACH
((,AO/~GS
RifATOee.
EGGPLANT
ONION'3
~A~D
P,A~LE.Y
-me.
SHOP.
52
JULY
JUL Y
JULY
JULY
TOKA-iOE.'S
PEPPE!".S
COf2.N ) ZUCCHINI
POTATOES
10
IS
COLLAf2.VS
G~ eEANS) eET'S
AUGuST 1.....CAf2.I2OTS
ONIONS I GAf2.LIC
CAULIFLOW~
AUGUST 10
!"ALE
AUGUST I S . e>f<OCCOLI ) CHAfLV,
Bf2.U65EL 5f'f'.OUTS.,
Cp.,e,BN!>E
AU6UST 10 W
fLUTAe>AGAS
AUGUST '1.0
lETTUce
i. ... TUfI-N I PS
SEPTEMl!:>EF'- 10 ... .sPINACH ) MUSTAj2.0
CELE.f2.Y
SEf'TEM2>E./<.
OCTO~
VATE'S (>.fI.E.
~S
1..... AAoISHES
ZE.I<D IF
FOf'. MONTH",.
ro"
rows e"
rows eo
~ LEAF LeTTUCE:
f>.PNLT
TU~ IP
II M!'f'.i.
II
10 _.._._.. _._._ ~I'eO ear rows 2>" M!'f'.T.
II
_._-._--._._.10 --_ . - - SWISS CHAf'.O.
14" - - - - - - - ..-- ~ /4-" VI/lMEl"E.eS.
14"1 ---'l' _ . _ _ _ _ <--- CAUL.IFLOWEf'.- /4-" VIAMen;.e.s.
14-"~"'-"
<-- e>fZOCC01.-1 14-" VIAMETE:f'.6.
-4
lO'l --"
"_._ .
._.. _
._._.-._ ....
t=>-
-~--------
le'l
--t
._._._._
>
..- ea-L..
Jel' _.}
"""
.. _-----
7FOTATO
?XiI -)
?Oil ---,
PONS
~,,~
(ONE flOW)
PL.AN VIEW OF STANOI>-I2-0 Size
50'" '!:>O'
G!'Owe>:>x
AFT~ A
IS ~Al2-VES1EDIIHI'1EVI,ATE.!-YAPPL..Y
iHE MITTUEiDEj2. ~-f'1J*lT FEf2.Tll.-lzel2- 1'11l< f>6AIN
(CIl!'fi6l'- 4-). MIl< AND f2.EWL./INT THE s,o,HE. V.Af2.IETY
0,," A PI FFEF'-ENT C!'OP.
CI'OP
e:EE:fG) ETC .
PfZOPE::1'- SPI'ONG GIVES PLANTS L.IVING Sf'pcE
TO e#Ow . THE 6fZOW -eo~E0 (>.LLOW MOI'E- Fti'NTS
TO G!?OW) ANO 6(!OW E\E;rr61"- IN A 6M!'LL-EI'- SF!'C..
THIs 15 fbeGIBU::: ~E You N'E !!>I'-INGING Mo(l
a=
CM'I'OT5
eawa=N
PISTANCS ee.TWEEN
DISTANCE:
INPIYIDUI>.l.. 6!:EOS
AND PLANTs.
f2.ows OF PLANTS.
IN I'OWS
Y5I'-y CiD-lE lOOeTlIEI'-
6I'eeJ ONIONS
~ ~~~ 7"
4-"
MOI~e;s
I"
5"
f'!'ASi~S
I"
2."
'2.. 11
Ie"
2,."
15"
eETS
ONIONS
~SH
eE.ANS
5"
(oll
'lb"
""ROW-eo>'.
RJt.e =ANS
~
- - - - - - - 5" - - - - - - - - - - - Z4"
sPIN~
eeu...
1"
10"
1"
1Q1J':1lJES__ 1"
Ie>"
+e>"
~I CO~
CUCUM~)
5eD
You
i"-"Of25
"'GID IN~TION .)
~.
ee
51
seeDs
E;>E6lfJ SPf2.QUTING.
.,..:. .. r..
~:
ee.
59
(5E CIi.APTEfZ. 4)
2./?-EPLENISH THE MOISTUI2G SUPPL.Y IN THE
Gf1OW-WX e>Y WATEf'1ING FNI"-L.Y HEAVIL.Y TfIE
AFTEI"-NCON !?EFV~ YOU PL.ANT,
3. THE NEXT MOf2NING) THOf20UGHL.Y STIf2..) MI)(J
ANO l..iXl'2>EN THE "SOIl-" HIXTUI2E, nlls CAN
e>E WNE <S;>UICl'-LY ANO E,b611-Y WITH A 4-TINEV
CUI"-VEO FOf2.IL, ~N f'N'E) 0f2.. rzoroTII-L.Ef2...
4, WITHOUT ANY 'VE.l.AY J /Z.AI" ~o L.EVEL. THE "SOIl-"
Mlnu~ EVEN AND 'SMCOTH.
5. It-1MWIATEL.Y GIVE \HE "SOIL.1I A L.IGHT
5P1"-1 NI<'L-I NG TO f'E.F' THE' 'W1"-Fi'CE FF'-Ot-1
Ol"-Y/NG TOO MUCH. ee SU/ZE. THE 6(2ON-W)(
IS L.Eva- FUL.L. WITH THe: 115011." MIXTUflE.
f2.ULC~
(Po
FOf2-
0rz.eATE~T
?UCCE% CONTINUE.D_
Healthy young seedlings off to a good start In a Mittleider growbox filled with nutrient
rich, custom-made soil.
(01
GENTLY
~~VE
{>, PLANT
I.
FfI.OM HOLE..)
GJVi:B ~ {>,
INCWDED IF NecE.~Y).
TAANSPLANTING 5OWTION
40
PLANTS
5 GoALLON'" OF WATEfL
2.~OUNce5 AMMONIUM
NITAATE
PHOSPHATE
2.0 0AAM'3 f!:)fASSIUM SULFATE O~ CHLOf2-/0E.
'20 0AAtv1S fv\AGNESIUM SULFI'rrE (EI"SOM SALT)
~ ~ IF FUNGUS VISEASES Af!G f'IaE'SENT
(ESPeCIALLY IN T~PICAL Af2eA5) AOO
:!oS GfIAM'S OF- A
FUNGICIVE roWOEf2-.
ecoo
..
.Q? .
00
o
.J"
/'<:-
.
.
'
.0.
NUT~e;NT
cDS
tlE"FICICNCIES .
/PI<>
D
PLANTS NEW WATEf!- AL.LTHE TIME. THE AMOUNT VAf/.IES
WITH T&1f'EAATUIZE, HUM IOITY)
WIND) THE IYPE CF SUe>sGIL..
UNDE.1C THE GJ'OY'{-E!OXES,
ANO WITH THE SIZE
ANO !'-INO OF PlANTS.
CONOITIONS T~AT
MA!'-E yOU THIIlSTY
AFFCT PL.ANTS TIlE
SAME
WAY.
iT's
W MINUTES AFTEl" WATEf'-ING) '3OME- Wi'TEYSHOULD BE. OOZING QU, THE E01\OM
SIDE-OS OF THE GfZOW-W)I.. ONE 0(2. TWO SUCH
WATEf1.INGS PEf2. WE.~ N'E USUAu-y
ADE6/U,o.TE.
PLANTS Q>.N BE
WATEf1.EV WITH A
SPI2.I N1'-L1NG - aN)
012.,0. fIOSE- WITH
SPAAY ATTPCH Iv1 ENT
you CAN USE A HOSE
WITH THE END
CLOTH-COVE,<tED TO
,Ai...Low FUl-lVOL.UME. WITHOUT
OAMA6ING PLANTS
~ '"
THIS GIVES GOOD PENET""'TION
"NO f2.eDUCS Wf'-TEf'-ING TIME..
<DB
FI'OM THE ENO OF THE DEEPEST OF'LONGE'S! F'CO! IN THE SOIl.- TO THE 8NP OF
THE HI0HEST LEAF-TIP," PLANT IS"
CONTINUOUS W"TEF- PIPE.
- CHWTEf2. 4.)
THE MITTLE.lDE.F- METHOD USE5 Df'.Y, G\ZIINULf>.FtNUTi<lEN,<;; FOf'. ,~E WEEi<-L-Y FEEDING Pl'OGf'I'oM.
E:>Y
FOr<. UPDATED
US, OF
NU'f'.IE.N'
SUPPLIER'S.)
~.
4.
OIZ SUL.FATE.
5. <0 POUNDS MP6NE.SIUIV1 SUL.FATE
(EPEOM SALT)
CD. 1'2. GAAMS WI"ON (~IUIV1 eoAATE
Of'. OOf2.IC ACIO.)
oj< 1. B OUNCE.'S I!"ON SULFi'TE
*8.
;1\ 10.
4 YE,AJZ.S
H~
IS ENOUGH TO
~-TO S-~N
ST~6) ~
Melons flourish, fed by dry, granular nutrients spread in a narrow band down the length of
grow-box. Regular watering dissolves nutrients, carrie. them to plant roots. This grow-box
Is watered by means of plastic pipe, drilled with ,mall holes.
"'7'1.
HE.~'5
"I/)
r;p
ti!.~~~~
"JJ ~
"'I tP
~.U~L.~. ~~~
'v(J//~ f ~~ ~
_.,,,,,,,,,"!";:'!!!::"~"_;,':-3:.';?':::~'"P"1"'5:1t;::'~}t~'~"':}?:~'.
74
15
0/.. " .
T~NIN0
PLl>NTS UP
lIND i'I2OUNV STf'.ING'3
DEMAND'3 CAP-:-. MOIO
~ING, TWISTINS)
STEMS OF
/<UNNEJZ.S.
TWISTING O/ZUUISINS A
STEM I'-Iu..S IT.
~
IN A VEf2.Y SMAL. L
AfZ.E.f>. IF THE
Gf'..QWINS END
IS TIED TO A
STfZlNG i'6 IT
LENGTHENS. TI1I'&
PLANT CANNOT
~ 0U1OEO
A/ZOu NO THE: SWI NG.
II
78
mez. se:e:z:;>;.
W~f2-.
'--
7"1
. ,' ','"
.":'C'." .'
APEX (6f2QWING
.-"
FOLLOW IN5TF<UCTIONS
CAf2.e.FU LL. Y
/
T',
J1J
, , I"
MALE. FLOWE.F<'3 N2
f'IZC~NT.
THE f?UNNE$-).
~ ~
ee.
SIDE
f<UNNE./<.S!
80
THE. NE.W
~NNEf2-'S)
MALE FLOWEI<-_ _
~NNE.f'..""""'"
A NOVE IS TH"T_--"\
PAf'.T OF" STEM
TH"T CAP-f2.IE'S A
L.E'AF AND e>UV
Af.lV
HaJ~ ONTO
0(2. STEM
81
:::--r--..,
TEI'M/NAG BUD'?
012- CJZOWNS.
16 ftlE'(
AND ftJL.L-INATION.
8'2.
83
"7"1---SUCI'f'. TO E:E.
!'-MOVED! CUT
Of'- E>J2.CAt'- OFF.
Afl-E.
GI'OW~
IN
GI'OW-eo)(E.S. PL.ANi PEAS IN MULTIPL.E.
I'OW5. EXAMPL.E ~ J 4 J iP ALL.OW TKE. PLANTS
TO GflOW UP~16HT
UNTIL. TKE-Y e>f.6IN
To FAL.L oVErt.
;r-'"
_......-<~
_ _~ /
I
...... 000<
I
"
I
--/
'" I
(,
I
.... <;
I
~
I
/
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'\
I
\ I
:
I
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1\
I \
,'I "
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\
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..
SF'Ec.lAL Cf'OP5.
NOW YOU CAN TAi<E A Gf!EAT STEP FORWAIO-P et(
PROTECTING YOUi< Gj20W-l!Ox GN2DE.N WmI A
COVERING
YE'S A Gf2.eE:.NHOUSE. !
en
PANIC
A SIt'\Pl-E GREENHOUSE..
ONE WAY TO MAKE A SIt'\Pi.-E. SHEL.TER FOf'. YOUi<GF'OW-WX IS TO USE PLASTIC (PVC) PIPE. FOf2.
THE Fi<,AME STf'.UCTUf'.E.. THIS PIPE. (AT WIL.OING
SUPPLY STO!'e'S) 15 L.IGHTWEIGHT)STi<ONG,ANP
f./'-SY TO USE. IT Al-'SO ~ITS M ....XIHUrv1
LIGHT TO f'ACH THE
PLANTS.
C::'J.--:-J
~: THE LENGTHS OF
PL"STIC PIPE SHOWN IN
THE. MATERIAL'S LIST
ARE. THE. Pf<OPER
LeNGTHS FOR QUICK
ASSEMBLY.
PRIVE.. THE I-INCH,
IS-INCH-LONG PLASTIC
PIPE. (L1G1ITWEIGH,)
DOWN THE. SIDE.S OF THE
Gf'OW-eo><. (OUTSIDE.)
UNTIL. FLUSH WITH TOP
. EDGE. OF THE SIDE. eoAAV. STN<-T
FLUSH WITH THE. CORNEI~.'S ANV SPI\CE
51~ INCHE.'S N'AAT. THI'S WILL. GIVE THE.
CO/1.RE.Cr LOCATION'S ON Ei'CH SIDE. OF THE OOX.
10 P/1.C.VENT
VAMAGE. TO THE
PtJ>6TIC PIPE. USE. A
WOODEN ~LOCK ON
TOP OF ,HE PIPE
A~fZe> THE.
HAMME./<. BLOW5.
,0
"u"
WITH A t"1E.TAL
CLAt-1p; NAIL THE I-INCH
PIPE TO THE SIDE.
BOA~V OF THE.
Gf'OW-BOX.
Af?CH.
,,
::
N'TE~
PLA~TIC
cunl NG THE.
PIPE INTO
PROPE.R LE.NGTHS,GLUE
TOGETHER EACH OF THE.
EIGHT FRAtv1E.S.
~ g THE. TOP PIPE
15 CURVED TO PROVIDE. THE PITCH OF THE
~F. WHE.N COVE.RED WITH PLASTIC IT SHEDS
MIN IQUICi<J..Y.
90
--
HOI-EO AT tvIAf<-K
"u
TO !'\TACH.
"'"
'11
AT EACH END.
.'1>'
/
';., .
..........
. : -'
-.'/:"/1Y I
THE: 5TIWCTUF-E.
"12.
FAAME.5.
C.f>UTION : usE. STITCHIN6 NYLON COfl!.O
THAT ~sIST5 ~.
,
.............
,
\
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',
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----
--c,:t'F',,-
CUT F~""
A II:;'-FOOT-WIDE.)
4-MIL WLL OF
~I-FCOT
'13
;'
,,
--
,I
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"
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,
,,
,,
v!"'~r---~~~_
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- __
---
-,.,.'rl1""
:
,
---.JI
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,
THE. SIDE.S MAY BE. FaLLEo UP FroM
THE. BOTTOM TO PERMIT WORt<.IN6 THE
&ROW-I3OXES j CARING FOR THE CI<OP, IINO
VENTILATION.
I
,;
II
q..,.
TO FIT.
'15
~SON5
R:JR
GREENHOUSE GARDENING:
CONT~L OF PE.STS AN'D DISEASE.S.
EXTENDED GI<OWING SEASON.
CONTINUOUS CROP P~uCTION.
E.NHANCED NUTRITIONAL. cl;>uAL.llY.
CON~VAT\ON OF WATEF- /'NO NUTRlE.NTS.
PREDICTABLE. YIELD AND COSTS.
FAR MOf':E. RXlt> ON
e>E
Cf'!Of'5 CAN
G~WN.
ACTUALLYITHE.SUP~-~E.
"17
""
.'_. \9"1
...
Af'-EA
~:n"
~"
fEET e>Y
C!'N
F~
10
e>E. ,occoMPl-ISHE.D
"Ie
/~.
\ - - - _ MITIl.E.lDE.
I
I
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./~
'......
----_
I
I
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I
6~HOUSE
- ............_
" .....
/
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(
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......
LEVEL ENOUGH
I /
"......
......
,-J-,/
,0
---- -----,--I
----
.... -~
I
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{I
.........
~ ........
,
-;-~
..............
E'STAe>L.ISH
....... , ......
,AND 'S>TN'G iHe::
FOUfiL COfiLN~
OF THE Gl:EENHOUSE.
"l"l
II
MEASURE AND
cur
TO l.ENGTH J EI6HT
~DWOOD (OR CEDN<)
4",4" Fl?5TS
100
'1l~ ,....................................
NAiL..
IIJ
'N.lR\
"LEVEL eeJ
5/S1UARE LEG
..
.-&
(C)
Cf)
.."""
----=----~
(b)
(n
LEFT OR ~16HT).
101
----/
/
GF1<:ENHOUSE IS DONE..
103
..
, , ....
...
I
Iw
0
'
..
'
"
lB"
:;0" "a Ul
,
-0) III
..
ISo "
16\
'"z
15"
w
INST/>.LL 2"X4"
FRAMING AS SHoWN
AT THE ENOS FO~ A
lJa)~ OPENING.
THE too~ IS
30 INCHES WIVE.
IT IS MAVE UP
OF 2"x2" FflAMlNG
ANV HINGIED TO
SWING FROM THE
LEFT OUTWARD.
;'
/
/ /
;'
,,-
--- -
.....
... '-
...
"...
THE
WI~'S
MUST
e>E STRONG ENOUGH
105
-------
------.. (a)
(al
(a)
. (b)
AP-E:.
FASTENED TO
"u" CLAMPS
AL.SO.
10'"
THI'S CflD'O'S <S6GTION INVICi'TE.S HOW TO COVEl'THI: 'ST~UCTUf<.I:. WITH PLA'STIC.FI~'ST, THE (P-FCl?"TWIDE. 'SoIDE. PIECE'S (a) Afl.E. T,<>.c.reD IN PL..'>CC JUST
ABOVE. THE TOP I"~'l." 'ST~IP (d) ~NNING ALONG
eoTH 510E.~ OF THE G~HOUSE.. NEXT) THE.
ICo-FOOT-WIDE PLASTIC TOP-PIECE (I: 15 PUL.LED
IN PLACE.. TH E. TOP- PI EeE. OVEf2..l.APS THE
cP-FCOT SIDE-PIECE. (c)- ON THE. OUT>IOE
(TO StIEO MIN). THE. TWO PIECE> OF PLASTIC
(WHEN IN POSITION) A~ FI~ST NAILED
'SE.CU~EL,( TO THE:. TOP I"~ '2." Cd) ON earH
>IPE"; OF THE. ST~CTUf2.E. WITf-\ LATH (9)
ANV THEN l../'<THE.O ANO NAILED TO THE. LOWEI<.
I"~'l." (e) ON eorH SIDES. THE. L.C09E. EOOE. OF
THE PLA'STIC ON THE. 6I1OUND (f) 16 COVE.~D
FI~MLY WITH SQIL THE. ENTI~ L.ENGTH OF
Tf/E. Gf!EEN HOu.,;E..
101
,0
108
ee:.
CHAPTEr<: 4.
~~ THIO 6YPSUI'1
APPLICATION (A.) IS
TO BE' SP~O ON
THIO FACE. OF THE
VI~IN SOIL ,,1 THE.
eorroM OF 1HE
BOXES ~ THE
SOI~:"~~~~~~~;~:::~
"CUSToM-HAre
HEDIA IS "WEt>
TO FILL THE
6~W~S.
110
/II
"00
ee.
MIXING.
6U~ eoXES AAE.
lVEL - FUL.L
G) <3P~IN/4.E. THE -su,aF/>CE LIGHTLY TO mVENT
MPIO Vf<.YING.
1/'2.
DU~ING
YOUR ",REENHOU5E f>OXES) THfl.EE. PEl"GREENHOUSE) A~ READY FOR Pt.J>.NTING. YOu C/J.N
PLN-lT %0 VIRCTL.'( IN THE. eoi<E;S OR YW CAN
TJ<.NlSPLN-lT SE.EVl.IN<SS FJ<.OM THE NURSERY O!'FROM YOUR OWN GROWING FL.,o.TS.
II?
Op.
CHLO~D.
(p-
:n:) m: ).
1/4
3O-FCOT !lO></AND TO
I pOUNO} 4 OUNces FO(Z.
THE. ?O-INCH e>Y 2l;>-FCOT
Ce:NTE:i<- !lOl<.
115
\,
c~'9
"
11
IIG:>
-"""'/'
~
g.
....../ /
.,'
\11
-----
\1\'::
~FRUIT~ J,i~/V'\i;;;'I;. ~ ~,
1
'~!'-
FEMALE:.
,iff:'1
"N~
FLOWEI<
lie
FEMALE. FlOWER
OPEJIl FlJ5ITION.
t'\{l.LE FLOWEF.
CLO$E.D ft)51T10N
MALE FLOWE~
OPEN POSIT JON
GENTLY TE.AI'l OFF AND ~OVE. THE PETALS
OF THE MALE FLOWEf1..
Mt--LE
-ONE
CAN TAAN5FEf1..
fLOW~
POLLEN TO
HUi'iD~
OFt-
MO~
FEMALE. FLOWElt5.
II"!
\.
1...........
\._--
.-.J
\....}
50F. THE.
1'2.0
12/
OF
Go\,R.DEN ING EVEN IN
~.
THE Q;>L.DEST WEATHER Y
IF YOU P/WVIDE:
i
AD82uATE 5HaTE~ \
AND WARMTH.
_ ........
AT SO"F Ofl. LOWER,
PL.ANT5 BECOME. DOf<.MANT. AT 32."F MANY
WIL.L. DIE.. Gf<.E,ENHOUSE. ~DENING
fl.E.vuCES THE: NUMB~ OF "NO-GFOWTH"
VAY6. IN SEVE.PoE. WEATHE.R) OF COUf'/SE.)
Gf1.EENHOU% HE;A.T1NG roEs COST MONEY.
THIS Q-I!,-PTEJ<. SHOWS yOU %VEfl.N-- WAYS
TO MINIMIZe. SUCH COSTS.
HE.f<e ME. f!8:OMME.NDATIONS FOf<.
0~ENHOUSE Gi'-F-DENING IN THfl..E.e
DIFFEftE.NT CL.IMATIC Af<-E.AS - MIl-V,
MOVERATE I AND COl.V.
MIL.D Cl.IMI'-TE.
GREENHOUSE GARDENS Af<.E EASY TO
MANAGE IN MILD ~S. roUBLE-wALL
'l.-O~ 4-MIl. TAAN5Pf'$ENT Pl.ASTIC)
TIGHTl..Y eU1L.T J Pl.ASTIC GREENHOUSES
11.?J
eoe.
124-
'I.)
1'2.5
ANOTHER FAAME
Fait THE
TAANSPN<ENT
P/.ASTI C COVERING
IS ~ILT OVER
N.
-11----1
--
...- - - - ......
,'////
"
//
"
............
\
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LOCATION OF
-u1r
I
J
FOST~LJ
LJ
--
+";<4"
"u CL,6.MP5.
11.,
DE,t>.D-AIF!- SPAcE..
!"IITTLEIDER. ~EENHOUSE.5
AF!-E. EASY TO MAKE. AND
VE.RY EFFECTIVE..
12e,
?INGL.E TAANSPp.,~NT
PLASTIC WALL.
ee.
5) ON FEBf2.UAAY IS I THE.
ow
TOMATO VINES
Af<G f1.E,MoveO ~D NEW PL.ANT5
TAANSPL..N.JTEO E>Y FEf>fl.UN<-Y 'LO. THI'S
secoND C~P CAN BE. HMVE.5TED DUf<.ING
M,A.Y J JUNE.. ,A.ND JUL.Y. THIS 'SCHEDULE.
AL.L.OWS HA~VE.'STING TWO OUT-OF-SEASON
Ct<:Of'S YEA~LY WITH MINIIv1AL HEATING
EXPENSE..
COLD CLIMI"TE
G~HOU'SE C/wP5 CAN e>E. ~WN IN
NIeA'S Hp..VING VEfl.Y CCL.O WINTEF1TEMPEMTU~'S OF f'LU", 10"F TO MINUS
3Q"F FO~ ONE-Of'. "TWO-WEEI'- O(CL.E5 j
I~O
'
~::
",
I
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i~ "'.;J
""".
. <JI
/
. '7
"'-.;:.
'1!~:
c;
---~;;J,;
II
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...... -
\("
.. _____..
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-----y
,,,-
..................
e_
....
_
....
....
_-------.J
.. ----_ _............
./
..."
......
UNDEi<.Gf<OUND
HOT-WAlE./<. PIPES
e>U~ED
ABOUT
~.
";}";} ';::!.J
\. <"'
,.---........
....-<.../. '.
/
I..
t;;;r(.SEED
135
FOI<.
POW5
PER FLAT.
.......,./
~GE
loo -12&
L&TTUCE
TOM"TO
pePPEI1.S
e>ESTS
loo - 125
100 - 1'2.5
..l00 - 1'2.5
50 -15
CAULIFLOWEf2-
100-125
Bf<OCCOLI
100-1'1.5
cELERY.
'1.00-250
PAA5LEY.
Ul?-Z50
SWISS CHA~D. 50 -15
Of'? po.
SHe:LT~D
1?>1
FO~.
"P-E
fWD MATURE.
P~E.Dui<ES
FOi<- JUST,... FEW SEEDLINGS IN THE SMI'-L.LFLi'TS i'''' DESCf<IBEO ) Of<. USE,... i<-E.GUL.AFl. )
LAi<&E. Gr<DW-f!:Yf.- (S'x?O') TO STAAT tvlMY,
YE.S THOUS!'NOS I OF SEEDL..INGS TO PLANT
A LAf<GE. Cr<DP
...... ---e:-.:;:--
'"
:
I
'J
-;---....
I
I
,,/
,...
(
....,
)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SEEDLINGS eM<
ALSO
E>E.
140
141
Wl.
SPfCAY
P~M'S
APP~f':IATE TO
YOUR ~Ior-Jls
f'WE>LEHS. YOUf<.
LOCAL Jl6fZ.ICULTU/4'-L
-_./
-0
14?>
A~E.
OFTEN
. ."
145
"-"r-'
<cQ. ~ __:.Jl"
~~~ _. ~~,
... ~.-::--c.:~--~)o...,;-:'"
.--. __
--
'......-.--:--.~---.r
-",
- --,..~-...---....~---.....--
.'.
'--;.:-'..r--'"
--- -----..
r '--"---,,,:,
/' ''''-', /"
-~
\~
fl..Ai<.E AND SMOOTH .-
<....
~-
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....1'....
_ _....
~'"
-.,.
. .
ns
14(0
/~> )JY---
,//////"/''7!V1rl
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,
, /.'.
,,
,,
,, ..
.
.'
f-----X.-{
a) SPREAD A
N~W
141
USE. Yz -POUND
(8 OUNCE.S) OF LIME:
FOIt EAC H 10 FE:ET
- -.,
i
4:\,.
OF FU~W fLOW
LENGTH.
d)~~DONOT
f) COVEl< THE.
~5OF
PLANTS.
14"1
h)
P~E.CT
H~R~
~GUV1t3 ~
The joy of successful gardenlnglllke the author, examining these choice melons, you can
reap abundant harvests every time with the proven methods described In this book. Success
Is certain because nothing Is leflto chance!
I??
HE.~E.
How simple can a greenhouse be! Here Is a standard MIUleider grow-box,large enough for
all the fresh vegetables you could want, covered with a simple plastic shelter.
Complete economic self-sufficiency, If you wish, on Ie.. than half on acrel Food to eat and
food to sell for your financial needs. Lush vegetable crops, melons, potatoes, tomatoeswhatever meets your needs or finds a market!
Simple, hand labor can outperform expensive equipment - the Mittleider way! Even tor
large-scale gardening operations a small rotollller is all the equipment you should ever
need. Below: Simple, plastic framework provides tor covering shelter If needed.
Four Mittleider grow-boxes, easy to make, easy to work, wUl provide more than enough food
for a large family - In a backyard space. These boxes are filled with soft, mulch-like
"custom-made soil" (Chapter 4. Page 45), ready for planting an attractive garden
(Chapters 5. 6).
Simple grow..boxes and simple, plastic greenhouse sheller will outperform the largest
commercial greenhouse operallor'lS at a smaUlraction of the expense. Average people can
do extraordinary gardening with simple, hand tools - with certain success!
170
Appendix I
171
172
Why does the fruit of apricot trees turn brown or black at the pit?
Insufficient water, excessive heat two weeks before fruit ripens,
boron or calcium deficiency.
What should be done about nematodes?
Sterilize the soil or use the right chemicals to destroy them. See your
local agriculture officer.
Should sawdust be pretreated with nitrogen?
If you want to, yes. It is not necessary.
Is it necessary to compost fresh sawdust before using?
No, it can be used right from the saw.
Can mushroom compost be used in place of sawdust?
No! In grow-boxes it can be used as a supplement but not to replace
sawdust because it breaks down too quickly.
Are wood ashes good to use as a soil supplement?
They are valuable as a covering over seeds. They are sterilized and
have nutritional values.
Are soil-test kits practical?
No! For adequate analysis of soil in the open furrow garden, you
need the services of a good laboratory. Ask your local agriculture
officer or department.
Can waste materials from the garden be used in soil?
In field gardening they can be worked into the soil where they will
decompose.
What can be done to make up for nitrogen shortages?
Use nitrogen fertilizers. If unavailable, bury organic material.
These formulas are the result of more than thirty years of testing
and successful food production all over the world. They are of
immense value to anyone who wishes to greatly increase garden or
farm yields.
Purchase the materials listed at your farm, garden, or hydroponics
supply house. You may also write to J. R. Mittleider, in care of the
publisher, for a free listing of the current best sources of ready~
mixed materials.
Be sure to read labels and follow instructions when using any
concentrated materials - a rule as important in the garden as in
the kitchen or workshop. Keep such materials out of reach of
children and pets.
173
174
1.
Appendix 1/
4
4
2
2
2
175
pounds
pounds
pounds
pounds
double superphosphate
sulfate of ammonia
potassium sulfate or chloride
magnes'lum sulfate (Epsom salt)
ounces boron (sodium borate or boric acid)
Spread separately:
5 pounds lime (See note on rainfall and
lime-choice in A-1 above.)
176
Appendix IJ
177
Or:
3 gallons water
13 grams ammonium nitrate
3 grams magnesium sulfate
3 grams potassium sulfate or chloride
3 grams diammonium phosphate (21-53-0)
TRANSPLANTING FORMULA
This formula is for feeding and minimizing transplanting shock
when plants are transplanted to where they will mature - in growboxes, in the greenhouse, or in the open furrow field. This operation
is done just once, at the time of transplanting (Chapter 6).
Give each plant 1 pint of this solution (makes enough for 440 plants):
55 gallons water
2 pounds ammonium nitrate
1 pound diammonium phosphate (21-53-0)
8 ounces potassium sulfate or chloride
8 ounces magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
If local conditions indicate need, add:
4 ounces Diazinon (or similar product
for soil maggot control)
12 ounces Dithane-45, Benlate (or similar product
for control of fungus)
178
Appendix 1/
179
UNITS OF MEASURE
60 drops 0 1 teaspoon
3 tablespoons 0 1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon 0 % ounce
16 tablespoons 0 1 cup
1 cup 0 8 ounces
16 fluid ounces 0 2 cups
2 cups
1 pint
'/2 liquid pint
1 cup
2 pints
1 quart
4 quarts = 1 gallon
~
1 pound 0 16 ounces
1 pint = 1 pound
1 gallon = 8.337 pounds (8 pounds)
5,280 ft., or 320 rods
1 mile
1 acre = 43,560 square feet
or 160 square rods
180
per
per
per
per
per
FERTILIZER FORMULAS
FOR SPECIAL-SIZE GROW-IIOXES
(4' Square Segments)
PRE-PLANT FERTILIZER
4'x4'x8" Grow-Boxes
6V2 ounces double superphosphate
3% ounces potassium sulfate or chloride
6V2 ounces sulfate of ammonia
3% ounces magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
6 grams boron (sodium borate or boric acid)
1% pounds lime'
4'x8'x8" Grow-Boxes
13 ounces double superphosphate
6% ounces potassium sulfate or chloride
13 ounces sulfate of ammonia
6'/2 ounces magnesium sulfate
12 grams boron (sodium borate or boric acid)
3 pounds lime*
Appendix /I
181
4'x12'xB" Grow-Boxes
1 '/4 pounds double superphosphate
10 ounces potassium sulfate or chloride
1% pounds sulfate of ammonia
10 ounces magnesium sulfate
18 grams boron
4112 pounds lime*
4'x16'x8" Grow-Boxes
1 pound. 10 ounces double superphosphate
13 ounces potassium sulfate or chloride
1 pound, 10 ounces sulfate of ammonia
13 ounces magnesium sulfate
24 grams boron
6 pounds lime*
4'x20'x8" Grow-Boxes
2 pounds double superphosphate
1 pound potassium sulfate or chloride
2 pounds sulfate of ammonia
1 pound magnesium sulfate
1 ounce boron
7% pounds lime
4'x24'xB" Grow-Boxes
2 pounds, 8 ounces double superphosphate
1 pound, 4 ounces potassium sulfate or chloride
2 pounds, 8 ounces sulfate of ammonia
1 pound, 4 ounces magnesium sulfate
36 grams boron
9 pounds lime*
"In selecting the type of lime to use follow the instructions given
previously for the standard size grow-boxes.
182
4'x4'x8" Grow-Boxes
64 grams (2 ounces)
4'x8'x8" Grow-Boxes
128 grams (4% ounces)
4'x12'x8" Grow-Boxes
192 grams (6V2 ounces)
4'x16'x8" Grow-Boxes
256 grams (8% ounces)
4'x20'xB" Grow-Boxes
320 grams (11 ounces)
4'x24'x8" Grow-Boxes
384 grams (13 ounces)
Note: Apply the fertilizers and water as outlined for the standard size
grow-boxes.
Here are the nutrients plants require for growth. Deficiencies of the
first eight most commonly produce nutritional problems.
,.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Nitrogen
2. Phosphorous
3. Potassium
4. Magnesium
5. Calcium
6. Iron
7. Boron
183
Molybdenum
Manganese
Copper
Zinc
Sulfur
Chlorine
184
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY
SYMPTOMS AND CORRECTIONS
The amounts of nutrients/fertilizers recommended here are based
on:
1. The standard Mittleider greenhouse (8'x30') containing three
grow-boxes - two, lS"x30' (one on each side); and one,30"x26'
in the center. The amount shown in each case is for one lS"x30'
box and should be nearly doubled for the 30"x26' box.
2. The standard Mittleider outdoor grow-box (S'x30').
Nutrients indicated should be spread evenly over the entire box
area. See additional instructions for application at the end of this
Appendix..
Nitrogen Deficiency
Appendix If!
185
CORRECTION:
1. greenhouse grow-box - 1 pound potassium sulfate or
chloride.
2. outdoor grow-box - 1 pound, 8 ounces potassium sulfate or
chloride.
Magnesium Deficiency
SYMPTOMS: older leaves have dead areas and general yellowing; abnormally bright colors in older leaves - bright reds,
oranges, yellows.
CORRECTION:
1. greenhouse grow-box - 2 pounds magnesium sulfate.
2. outdoor grow-boxes - 2 pounds, 12 ounces magnesium
sulfate.
Calcium Deficiency
SYMPTOMS: yellowing
remaining green.
of terminal
buds with
leaf veins
CORRECTION:
1. greenhouse grow-box - 1 pound iron sulfate.
1. outdoor grow-box - 1 pound, 4 ounces iron sulfate.
Boron Deficiency
186
Molybdenum Deficiency
(5'.30'.8")
(See drawings, Chapter 3)
Wood
70 feet 1"x8"x20' redwood (or cedar) lumber
25 1"x2"x18" pointed redwood stakes
Other Materials
1 pound blue shingle nails
1 pound 4-inch box nails
Tools
1 3-pound mall or hammer
1 regular-weight hammer
1 level, two feet or longer
100 feet strong cord
187
188
Other Materials
1" metal 'U" clamps
60 feet ordinary bailing wire
Y2 pound 2-inch galvanized nails
B. Materials for second plastic layer in colder climates
Wood
210 feet 1"x2" boards, 20' lengths if possible
Plastic
140 feet %" PVC pipe, lightweight (200PST)
20 feet 1" PVC pipe, lightweight (200PST)
4 %" PVC T-joints
161'4" PVC 45 elbows
50 feet, 4 mil, 16-foot-wide clear plastic
Appendix IV
189
Other Materials
50 feet ordinary bailing wire
1 quart white exterior paint
1 pound 2-inch box nails
Note: This list of materials does not include those needed for making
doors on both ends of this type of greenhouse, nor an extra 60' of
1"x8" boards needed to divide the grow-box, leaving an aisle down
the center. See Chapter 10 for illustrations.
STANDARD MITTLEIDER GREENHOUSE (8'.30'.10')
(See drawings, Chapter 10)
A. Materials for frame, grow-boxes. and one layer 01 plastic cover
Wood
60 feet 2"x6" boards, 10' or 20' lengths
4 2"x6" boards, 8' length
280 feet 1"x2" boards, 10' or 20' lengths
8 2"x2" boards, 12' length
8 2"x2" boards, 6' length
200 feet 1"x8" boards, 10' or 20' lengths
4 2"x4" boards, 8' length
8 4"x4" posts, 9' long
50 1"x2"x18" pointed redwood stakes
1 bundle lath
Plastic
260 feet %" PVC pipe, lightweight (200 PST), 20' lengths
20 feet 1" PVC pipe, lightweight (200 PST), 20' length
16 314" PVC T-joints
16 %" PVC 45 elbows
50 feet 2 or 4 mil clear plastic, 16' width
1 pint plastic cement
190
Appendix IV
191
Other Materials
41" metal "U" clamps
8 3/4" metal "U" clamps
40 3/16"x4" threaded bolts with nuts
16 2/16"x2%" threaded bolts with nuts
c.
Appendix V
193
Until very recently, this land was regarded as worthless - but today
it has been proven that a very large part of this "worthless" land can
be used very easily and with maximum results.
Simple grow-boxes, covered where necessary by inexpensive,
plastic greenhouses, present the key to agricultural use of this land.
Their dramatic productiveness in our Mittleider demonstration
projects in many countries is unchallengeable.
Look at the following comparative figures - you will be surprised!
Comparison 01 grow-box/greenhouse farming
with some other types of farming
Crop: CABBAGE
Conventional Tractor Farming
Number of plants per acre
Average weight per head
Marketable heads per acre
Marketable cabbage per acre
Crop income per acre at 8lf: lb.
Possible crops per year
Potential income per acre, per year
14-15,000
3 pounds
40-50%
24,000 pounds
$1,920
2 (?)
$3,840
5'x30'8" Grow-Boxes
Number of plants per grow-box
Grow-boxes per acre
Plants per acre (135x156
Average weight per head
Marketable heads per acre
Marketable cabbage per acre
Crop income per acre at 8 lb.
Possible crops per year
Potential income per acre at 2 crops
135
156
19,000
3 pounds
90%
51,300 pounds
$4,004
2 or 3
$8.008
Note: Conventional farming requires heavy mechanization. Growbox farming, after the small cost of lumber. requires virtually no
equipment - just one 7HP rototiller is all the machinery needed.
Grow-boxes organize farming so that hand labor can compete with
farm machinery - and make it possible to use much of the poorest
and heretofore unusable land.
194
Crop: TOMATO
Large, Automated, Hydroponic Greenhouse
Greenhouse size
Cost to construct and equip
Tomato plants per greenhouse
Fruit per house, per crop
Fruit per plant (6-months picking)
Fruit per acre (9 houses)
Crop income per house, per crop at 25 lb.
Crops per year
Crop income per house, per year
Income potential per acre per year
86
$385
150
14-20 pounds
2,400 pounds
103 tons
$600
2
$1,200
$103,200
Specific Symptoms
Bean
Death of terminal buds; leaves are an off-green color; flowers and pods fail to
grow.
Beet
Rosette terminal buds; leaves die in crown; roots show heart-rot and dry-rot;
leaves are red, small and deformed.
Broccoli
Cabbage
Stems are hollow in the head region; leaves are distorted; leaves are brittle,
stiff, along margins; leaves making up the head are unattached.
Cantaloupe
Carrot
Margins of leaves yellow, followed by red; roots split long and wide.
Cauliflower
Same as broccoli.
Celery
Corn
Lettuce
Onion
Leaves are deep bluish-green color; basal leaves develop transverse cracks on
upper side.
Pea
Yellow or white veins in leaves; terminal bud dies; blossoms shed; pods are
poorly shaped and empty.
Potato
Older leaves curl upward at margins; bushy appearance of plant; foliage thick
and brittle; older leaf stalks break off easily
Radish
Variety
Specific Symptoms
Tomato
Cotyledons and true leaves of young plants turn purple; terminal shoots curl
upward and die; blossom end rot of fruit.
Specific Symptoms
Bean
Broccoli
Brussels
Sprouts
Same as broccoli.
Cabbage
Same as broccoli.
Cantaloupe
Small to large portions of the leaf collapse and die; older leaves brown and die.
Carrot
Cauliflower
Same as broccoli.
Celery
Young leaves of center hearts die; pale green color; growing point dies.
Corn
Youngest unfolding leaves gelatinize and later stick together; weak stalks.
Cucumber
Margins of leaves are light colored; leaves of terminal buds have dead tips;
plants are stunted.
Lettuce
Pea
Chlorosis on lower leaves; plants are short and die; root tips die.
Potato
Young leaves roll upward with marginal scorching; buds die; crops fail; young
leaves are pale green and small.
Radish
Tomato
Terminal flowers die; plants are weak and flabby; roots are brown; blossom end
of fruit rots.
Specific Symptoms
Beet
Cabbage
Carrot
Corn
Leaf tips wither and appear grayish; tips of newest leaves die; leaves become
chlorotic.
Lettuce
Onion
Pea
Potato
Young leaves remain permanently wilted; terminal buds die when flower buds
are developing; almost no chlorosis appears.
Tomato
Growth of shoots severely stunted; very poor root growth; foliage dark bluishgreen color; flowers fail to form; chlorosis appears.
General Symptoms - Chlorosis in the older leaves, with multiple colors between the
veins. Older leaves show patches of orange, red and purple; later the chlorotic
patches coalesce, brown and drop out. Older leaves show interveinal chlorosis and
necrosis; leaf margins turn up; stems are slender; interveinal light green or yellow
patches on maturing leaves; later these patches dry up; flower set turns yellow and
drops off; fruits are poorly shaped and poorly developed; bright colors of reds,
yellows, oranges, and purples appear on maturing leaves. Because magnesium
moves within the plant, older leaves show deficiency.
Variety
Specific Symptoms
Bean
Older leaves show reddish-brown mottling; later the spots become necrotic.
Beet
Chlorosis in the older leaves, with reddish shading between the veins.
Broccoli
Older leaves show patches of orange, red and purple; later the chlorotic
patches brown and drop out.
Brussels Sprouts
Same as broccoli.
Cabbage
Same as broccoli.
Cantaloupe
Carrot
Leaves are colored with yellow, reds, and purplish; older leaves are very
chlorotic; poor tuber development; poor growth.
Cauliflower
Same as broccoli.
Celery
Leaf tips and margins are chlorotic with reddish blotches; later entire leaves
become necrotic.
Corn
Older lowest leaves turn bright red color; later leaves become necrotic.
Cucumber
Leaf veins remain green; chlorosis develops between veins; leaf edges
become brittle.
Lettuce
Onion
Pea
Potato
Older leaf margins and centers show mottling and chlorosis; later these leaves
become necrotic; leaves turn up at margins.
Radish
Tomato
Older leaves show interveinal chlorosis and necrosis; leaf margins turn up;
stems are slender.
Specific Symptoms
Bean
Beet
Chlorosis between leaf veins; growth is erect; red and purple tinting
appears on leaves.
Cabbage
Celery
Corn
Cucumber
Between leaf veins the color is pale green to yellowish white; veins remain
green; leaves are small; blossom buds turn yellow.
Lettuce
Potato
Tomato
Sometimes growth severely stunted; leaves near terminal bud are small,
rolled forward; dark-brown spots appear along leaf veins.
Variety
Specific Symptoms
Red Beets
Growth is erect; older leaves a dark reddish color; young leaves pale green
color.
Broccoli
Pale green color, particularly on young leaves; older leaves may show
reddish to purple colors and will shed prematurely.
Cabbage
Same as broccoli.
Carrot
Cauliflower
Same as broccoli.
Celery
Corn
Older leaves dry (scorch) at the tips; death of the leaf follows; plants are
weak with thin stalks.
Cucumber
Leaves are light yellow to pale yellow; thin woody stems; fruit yellow-green
color; fruit pointed blossom end.
Lettuce
Pale green color on leaves; older leaves show "firing" and die.
Onion
Young leaves light-green color; older leaves die; growth pattern upright.
Potato
Young leaves light-green color; leaves yellowish color, later drying up; leaf
veins deep purple color.
Radish
Sweet Potato
Defoliation of lower leaves; leaf color yellowish green with purplish areas;
stunted growth.
Tomato
Growth upright; lower leaves turn yellow and die; young leaves light green
color; purple veins on under-side; stems are slender.
Specific Symptoms
Beet Leaves
Variety
Specific Symptoms
Broccoli
Underside of leaves show purple near veins; leaves have dull purple color;
margins of leaves die.
Cabbage
Same as broccoli.
Carrot
Leaf stalk upright; older leaves die; small leaves are dull-green color with
purple.
Celery
Corn
Tops of mature leaves red and purple blotches; slender stalks; missing
kernels on ears.
Cucumber
Lettuce
Onion
Pea
Potato
Older leaves fall off; upright spindly growth; tubers may have internal
cracks; marginal scorch on leaves.
Radish
Tomato
Specific Symptoms
Bean
Leaf margins develop necrotic-brown areas between the veins; leaflets turn
downward.
Beet
Leaf surface crinkled and edges turn downward; stems of older leaves
have brown spots; roots poorly developed and tend to rot.
Broccoli
Browning of leaf margins, and browning between the leaf veins; curds are
soft and poorly developed.
Brussels Sprouts
Same as broccoli.
Variety
Specific Symptoms
Cabbage
Same as broccoli.
Cantaloupe
Lower leaves turn brown and die; fruits split at blossom-end; leaves have
yellow necrotic spots near edges.
Carrot
Roots are spindly; growth is poor; leaves are chlorotic and brown.
Cauliflower
Same as broccoli.
Celery
Leaflets curl, turn brown with necrosis; leaf stems are short.
Corn
Leaf tip and marginal scorch; tip end of ears filled with shriveled kernels;
weak short stocks; lodging.
Cucumber
Necrosis on leaf margins; young leaves crinkled; fruit very small at stem
end.
Lettuce
Onion
Older leaves turn a slight yellow, wilt, and die; leaf tips die and dry; poor
bulbs.
Pea
Firing of margins of older leaves; pods poorly filled and hollow; poor spindly
growth.
Potato
Yellowish color on older leaves; later necrosis and browning of leaf-tips and
leaf margins; slender stalks with short internodes.
Radish
Tomato
Leaves scorch along margins, later become necrotic; stems are thin; fruit is
ill- shaped; fruit ripens unevenly.
Variety
Specific Symptoms
Bean
Corn
Pea
Margins of lower leaves become necrotic; stems are erect; no flowers form.
Potato
Tomato
Quiz:
For which nutrients does yellow color show if deficiency exists describe symptom.
Nitrogen
Overall yellowing
Manganese
Molybdenum
Zinc
Potassium
Iron
Magnesium
3
2
2
1
2
2
14 2 alt.*
12 2 alt.
1
2
14 2 alt.
12 2 alt.
6
2
8 2 alt.
12
2
9
1
9
1
2
2
12 2 alt.
6
2
9
1
9
1
1
4
4
4
6
2
3
2
2
2
12 2 alt.
8 2 alt.
1
2
6
2
9
1
21
1
21
1
21
1
9
1
14
2
2
2
21
1
1 of 1
0.500
0.500
0.250
deep
deep
0.125
deep
deep
0.250
0.500
deep
deep
deep
0.250
0.125
0.125
0.250
0.250
0.125
1.000
0.125
0.125
0.500
deep
1.500
0.125
0.250
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.500
deep
deep
0.125
0.250
240
5
180 10-12
362
5
52
5-6
60
5
720
6
52
5-6
62
5-6
124
3-4
92
5
62
6-8
41
8-12
41 10-12
360
4
62
4
122
3
41
8-10
41
8-10
1440
3
360
7
120
3-4
244
7
362
4-5
62
8-12
92
4-5
722
2
122
4
41
8-12
18
8-12
18
8-12
18
8-12
41 10-12
52
6-8
362
4
16
6-8
20
84
12
20
15
12
20
18
12
72
18
84
72
12
12
12
84
84
12
15
12
12
18
16
16
8
8
84
24
24
24
84
24
12
16
+0
+0
-2
-4
-4
-2
-4
-2
-2
+0
+2
+2
+0
-4
-4
-4
+2
+2
-4
-4
-2
-2
-4
+2
-2
-4
-4
+2
+2
+2
+2
+0
+0
-2
+2
-8
-8
-8
-6
-6
-1
-1
-8
-7
-7
-1
-1
-7
-7
-6
-7
-7
-7
-1
-1
-1
-1
-8
-8
-2
Harvest Length
in Weeks
-2
-2
Days to mature
Plant Height
Fertilizer
applications
Expected Yield
(full bed)
68 lbs.
180 lbs.
120 lbs.
80 lbs.
150 lbs.
90 lbs
100 lbs.
120 lbs.
150 lbs.
115 ears
248 lbs.
410 lbs.
400 lbs.
120 lbs.
112 lbs.
45 lbs.
246 lbs.
246 lbs.
144 bunches
135 lbs.
23 lbs.
160 lbs.
90 lbs.
310 peppers
145 lbs.
60 bunches
46 lbs.
154 lbs.
135 lbs.
135 lbs.
135 lbs.
615 lbs.
208 lbs.
120 lbs.
320 lbs.
Plant in Garden
(weeks +/- ALSF)
On ADLF
On ADLF
2-3 weeks before
4 weeks before
4 weeks before
2-3 weeks before
4 weeks before
2-3 weeks before
2-3 weeks before
On ADLF
2-3 weeks after
2-3 weeks after
On ADLF
4 weeks before
4 weeks before
4 weeks before
2-3 weeks after
2-3 weeks after
4 weeks before
4 weeks before
2-3 weeks before
2-3 weeks before
4 weeks before
2-3 weeks after
2-3 weeks before
4 weeks before
4 weeks before
2-3 weeks after
2-3 weeks after
2-3 weeks after
2-3 weeks after
On ADLF
On ADLF
2-3 weeks before
2-3 weeks after
Depth of
Seed/Seedling
(inches)
frost-sensitive
frost-sensitive
moderately-hardy
hardy
hardy
moderately-hardy
hardy
moderately-hardy
moderately-hardy
frost-sensitive
frost-intolerant
frost-intolerant
frost-sensitive
hardy
hardy
hardy
frost-intolerant
frost-intolerant
hardy
hardy
moderately-hardy
moderately-hardy
hardy
frost-intolerant
moderately-hardy
hardy
hardy
frost-intolerant
frost-intolerant
frost-intolerant
frost-intolerant
frost-sensitive
frost-sensitive
moderately-hardy
frost-intolerant
either
either
seed
seedling
seedling
seed
seedling
seedling
either
seed
seedling
seedling
seedling
seed
either
either
either
either
either
either
either
seed
either
seedling
seed
seed
either
either
either
either
either
seedling
seedling
seed
either
Start Seedling
(week +/- ALSF)
beans, bush
beans, pole (vertical)
beets, red
broccoli
cabbage
carrots
cauliflower
celery
chard
corn
cucumbers (bush)
cucumbers (vertical)
eggplant (vertical)
kohlrabi
lettuce, head
lettuce, leaf
melons, cantaloupe (vert)
melons, honeydew (vert)
onions, green tops
onions, large bulb
parsley
parsnips
peas, bush
peppers, all types
potatoes
radishes
spinach
squash (vertical)
squash, crooked-neck
squash, yellow
squash, zucchini
tomatoes (indeterminate)
tomatoes, bush
turnips
watermelons
Hardiness
When to
Plant
Spacing (inches)
Plant Type
Seedling or Seed
(most effective)
65
75
55
85
85
65
100
60
60
80
65
65
90
65
55
55
85
85
65
65
65
65
60
85
65
25
45
90
90
90
90
90
90
25
90
3
16
20
4
2
16
4
2
20
2
16
4
16
4
2
6
10
8
2
4
24
12
3
12
8
3
4
14
14
14
14
16
6
4
3
Supplies
The quantities below are required to build 4 T-Frames.
This is enough for one 30 foot-long grow bed
Quantity
6
Item / Description
8 foot-long Treated 4x4
4 of these will be used for the 4 post.
The other two will be cut into sections for crossbars and
support braces
32
Construction
1. Set four of the 4x4s aside. They will be the main posts
2. Cut the other two 4x4s into equal lengths of 32 inches long.
a. Four of these 32 inch pieces will be the top cross bar of the T-Frames
3. Mark two of the 32 inch long 4x4s as follows (see the diagram below for more detail)
a. On the bottom of the 4x4, mark at the following locations from left to right.
i. 10 5/8, then 3 5/8", then 10 5/8", then 3
5/8"
b. On the top of the 4x4, mark at the following
locations from left to right.
i. 3 1/2", then 3 5/8", then 10 5/8", then 3
5/8"
c. Draw lines between these marks, then, using a
table saw, cut on the lines.
4. Pre-drill through the top center of the 32" tops, then use a 6"
spike to nail into the 8' post.
5. Screw or nail the braces to the top and post.
6. If you feel like your wood could use more treatment where it
will be placed in the ground, paint or cover the bottom 20
inches with exterior paint or roofing tar
Your T-Frame should look like the diagram above.
How to build & use T-Frames
3/5/2010
How to use
1. Cut 9 feet lengths of bailing twine for each plant. Tie a knot on each end of the twine so they do not unravel. This way you
can re-use them next year.
2. Tie the bailing twine with a slip knot to the wire/pipe at the top of the T. Alternate sides for each plant left, right, left, right,
etc. This creates an alternating V that allows the maximum sunlight in.
3. Attach bailing twine from both sides of the wire/pipe at the top of the T down to single tie-wire near the base of the plants.
4. As the plants grow, guide them up the bailing twine, alternating sides for each plant.
5. Remember to remove and prune suckers. (See Mittleider Gardening Course, Chapter 15 for details)
NOTE: If you want to extend the growing season, use 2 X 4's on edge at the top of the T, and make an arched canopy with 3/4"
PVC and 45 degree Slip fittings every 2', then cover in early Spring and late Fall with 6 mil clear plastic. And for those in hot climates
place 25-30% shade cloth on top of the arched canopy only sufficient to give partial shade during the hottest 3 hours of the day. This
can help your tomatoes, etc. continue fruiting in the heat of summer.
8'-0"
Cutting Details
Top Crossbar #1
32.00in.
32.00in.
Top Crossbar #2
32.00in.
32.00in.
Top Crossbar #3
32.00in.
Top Crossbar #4
3/5/2010
3/5/2010