Utilizing the Permaculture principle of extending edge, we opted to design and install a unique growing bed built on the principles of South American Chinampa beds. Dating back hundreds of years, these Chinampa beds were floating edible gardens built on floating racks of bamboo and topped with rich organic matter. Through capillary action from the water below, the Chinampa beds were able to self irrigate and extend garden production beyond the waters edge. Utilizing boggy, wet land, we formed and constructed beds by laying down decaying Cottonwood logs in an assortment of designs. From there, we topped the logs with straw, leaves, sawdust and other organic matter. The next few years will see the breakdown of the organic matter in making it conducive to commence planting edibles on the beds. At such a time, irrigation will not be required, as the wet ground from below will sub-irrigate the root systems.
