Gardening, Japanese Style

Evangeline decided to rent a garden plot here in Tokyo! Yesterday was the 1st day of the season. Both Evangeline and I grew up with large family gardens, but now we are learning the Japanese way of doing it.  If you've ever appreciated the craftsmanship of a Japanese car or tool, you will appreciate the Japanese way of gardening.
Around 100 people are renting garden plots in Farmer Takada's field and together, we flow the instructions of Master Takada - to the "T." In the end, every plot should be identical. 

First, we gather around Farmer Takada as he creates his plot and explains each step.

Then, we each move to our 30-square-meter plot and begin to work.

First, we measure off the plot, marking with a stake where each row will go. 40cm, 60cm, 60cm, 30cm... each row the appropriate width for the vegetable which will be planted there later.

Next, we go to the 3rd row on the east end and dig it out - 60cm wide, 40cm deep. (This is Evangeline's garden, but she let me come along on the first day!)

In the bottom of the whole, we spread exactly 3 cups of fertilizer and 8/10 a bucket of ash.

Next, we fill in the whole and level it carefully with a long pole . (It felt like we were finishing off cement rather than planting a garden.)  Then, very carefully, did a trench around the rectangular plot.

When the trench is complete, we cover the perfectly sculpted rectangular plot with black plastic to warm the earth and retain the moisture, using the trench to bury the edges of the plastic.

And, our first row is complete. Here we will plant sweet potatoes!

Previous Post

Archive