Exercise 1

AGRI 32- BIO-INTENSIVE GARDENING
Week 02I Feb 12-16, 2024
Laboratory Exercise No. 1

BIO-INTENSIVE APPROACH TO FOOD PRODUCTION
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to:

1. Discuss the principles of Bio-intensive gardening (BIG) in relation to sustainable
agriculture;
2. Discuss home gardening options;
3. Construct BIG/container garden, identify crops appropriate for the BIG/container
garden, and maintain crops; and
4. Evaluate the established home garden.
LEARNING CONTENT
Land for agriculture has greatly diminished due to increasing population, degradation of
natural resources, land-use conversion, and changes and discontinuity of the development
programs in agriculture among other reasons that threaten food security and self-
sufficiency. Under such difficult circumstances, farmers need approaches that will sustain
yield of their farms. These approaches should use materials that are readily available in
their farms and will not imperil the present condition of agricultural lands. Sustainability,
to some, is a matter of perception. However, certain actual approaches or practices
point to their productivity in the long run. One of these approaches is bio-intensive
gardening (BIG).
Bio-intensive gardening is a form of farming in which a small land area is intensively

cultivated using available farm resources particularly those derived from plants and
animals to enhance and maintain the soil's productivity. As such, BIG can ensure the
availability of different vegetables throughout the year partly to address the food and
nutritional needs of the family.
“How can we sustainably increase food production and address the nutritional needs of
the people while benefitting the farmers, the economy and the environment?”
Bio-intensive agriculture is an organic agricultural system that focuses on achieving
maximum yields from a minimum area of land, while simultaneously increasing
biodiversity and sustaining the fertility of the soil (Ecology Action, 2010). It is a form of
farming in which a small land area is intensively cultivated using available farm resources
to enhance and maintain the soil’s productivity.
Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

University of the Philippines Los Baños
2nd Semester AY 2023-2024
It focuses a lot on the quality of the soil as it loosen up the soil at least twice as
deep as normal gardening preparations./ This lets plants’ roots to penetrate through
the soil deeper and get more nutrients and water from deep underground. Another
important aspect of bio-intensive soil building is compost to replenish the nutrients
into the soil after plants have taken them out of the soil. You will put compost,
usually animal waste (cow/carabao/pig dung), fresh leaves of kakawate (Gliricidia
sepium ) dry leaves and straw, kitchen scraps (vegetable peelings) and clippings from
the yard, back into the soil by mixing it into the ground really deep. It will allow
BETTER YIELD of crops because the soil is nutrient rich. BIG is more space saving and
uses the land more efficiently
(https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biointensive-planting-method.html ). In
general, BIG promotes United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs),
agrobiodiversity, and organic agriculture.
BIG differs from conventional gardening systems due to its emphasis on:
• Deep bed preparation - allows for water conservation (better infiltration),
compost within the bed allows for better absorption and storage of water–
well established bed and cropping system can reduce water use by 66%
(Ecology Action 2010)
• Nutrient recycling - maximize the use of plant and animal residues and wastes –
building-up of organic matter (OM), self-reliance on production input,
• Building up of soil’s biological base or OM – food of soil microorganisms,
improving soil structure – good habitat for different microbes, different crops –
different exudates – diverse microbes rather than being bias to a particular one
(minimize dominance but rather go for balance)
• Diversified cropping - relate to pest mgt, nutrient mgt, biodiversity and plant
genetic conservation, improved nutrition – quality of produce, diverse income
generation, vegetable is available year-round. Diverse gardens ensure diversity in
diets.
• Balanced and integrated ecosystem – ecologically sound; labor-intensive than
capital intensive
• Use of indigenous cultivars or locally adapted varieties
BIG vs Conventional Mechanized Agriculture has the capacity to:

• Use 66% less water
• Use 50-100% less purchased nutrients
• Use 94-99% less energy in all forms, while producing
• Substantially increased yield, and
• Increased soil fertility

2nd Semester AY 2023 – 2024
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Important Considerations in starting your BIG plot
Bed preparations
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Principles behind deep dug and raised beds

● Makes the soil loose and friable
● Enables plant roots to penetrate easily
● Steady stream of nutrients can flow through the stem and leaves
● Different crops have different rooting depths
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Table 2. 1. Activities and Principle behind in starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Crop Planning
Practice/Activity Principle
Crop rotation (leaf, root, legume, fruit- Regenerate soil and break pest cycle
bearing vegetables)
Intensive planting
Cultivation of trellis crops Maximize space and higher yield per

unit area
Cultivation of shade tolerant crops
under trellis
Promotion of local varieties (usually hardy Conserve genetic resources

and climate resilient)
Inclusion of culturally acceptable, Improve nutrition, reduce health risk

nutritionally important vegetables
Cultivation of wide range of vegetables Diversification of diet
Inclusion of short duration crops Avoid seasonal food deficiencies
Perennial, polycultural, multistoried fence Wind breaks, availability of food

crops (“edible fence”)

Starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Water Conservation

● Close spacing of crops reduces evaporation from soil
● Mulching lowers soil temperature and reduces evaporation
● Deep tillage and organic matter reduces run-off, high OM = better water holding
capacity of soil
Overall, a 30-50% reduction in water needs can be expected.
Starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Weeding

Reduced weeding time: ~70% of time eliminated
Weed growth significantly reduced due to:
▪ deep tillage
▪ mulching
▪ close spacing of crops Starting
a Bio-intensive Garden: Pest Control

✔ Pest reduction from:
▪ soil improvement
▪ good drainage
▪ balanced soil nutritional status
▪ presence of beneficial fungi (mycorrhiza)
✔ Growing a diversity of crops reduces insect pests
✔ Crop rotation breaks life cycle of pest
✔ Inclusion of acclimatized, hardy pest-tolerant indigenous varieties
Starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Pest Control

✔ Use of plants with insect-repellent properties
✔ Removal of diseased plant/plant parts reduces the spread of infestation
✔ Use of botanical formulations as pest control spray
✔ Encouragement of predatory insects
The continuous extensive urbanization nationwide given rise to many urban problems such as
slums, garbage, malnutrition, social alienation, poverty and food insecurity. Thus, sespite the
mini-scaled version of BIG, a lot of Filipinos still cannot afford to have a BIG due to the limited
space in their homestead. This is especially relevant during this time of pandemic when we are
confronted with an exorbitant costs of food especially vegetables and limited movement of
people, there has been a renewed interest on enhancing and building local food systems.
High costs of vegetables are due to the high production inputs in terms of fertilizers and other
agro-chemicals, labor and transportation. The organic vegetables are even more expensive
due to the increased labor inputs needed and the lower yields usually obtained. Thus, having
your own edible garden in the home as promoted the Plant Plant Plant Program by the
Department of Agriculture to ensure survival, food adequacy and diversity at the home
level by home gardens.

HOME/CONTAINER GARDENING
It is a downscaled version of BIG or a micro model of farming where a family unit or household
is producing fruits and vegetables in special containers for personal consumption to help
improve the income, health and well-being of its family members. This is best suited for most
households in the urban areas with a very limited space. Literature showed that home
gardens are a part of the agriculture and food production systems in many developing
countries and are widely used remedy to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in the face
of global crisis like the current pandemic (Galhena et al., 2013).
Niñez (1987) defined home gardening as: 'The household garden is a small-scale
production system supplying plant and animal consumption and utilitarian items either
not obtainable, affordable, or readily available through retail markets, field cultivation,
hunting, gathering, fishing, and wage earning. Household gardens tend to be located
close to dwelling for security, convenience, and special care. They occupy land marginal
to field production and labor marginal to major household economic activities. Featuring
ecologically adapted and complementary species, household gardens are marked by low
capital input and simple technology.'
In the absence of plots, the most feasible substitutes are: container gardening, square
foot gardening and/or hydroponics.
Intrinsic Characteristics of Home Gardens (Michelle and Hanstad 2004):

1) are located near the residence;
2) contain a high diversity of plants;
3) production is supplemental rather than a main source of family consumption
and income;
4) occupy a small area (Brownrigg et al., 1985);
5) are a production system that the poor can easily enter at some level (Marsh
et al., 1998).
Table 2.3. Key Characteristics of a Typical Home Garden according to Source: Niñez
1987
Characteristic General practice
Species density High
Species type Staples, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants
Production objective Home consumption
Labor source Family (women, elderly, children)
Labor requirements Part-time

Harvest frequency Daily, seasonal

Space utilization Horizontal and vertical
Location Near dwelling
Cropping pattern Irregular and row
Technology Simple hand tools
Input-cost Low
Distribution Rural and urban areas
Skills Gardening and horticultural skills
Assistance None or minor
Benefits of Home Gardening:

• Provide multiple environmental and ecological benefits from recycling water
and waste nutrients, controlling shade, dust and erosion, and maintaining
or increasing local biodiversity.
• Provide a number of ecosystem services such as habitats for animals and
other beneficial organisms, nutrient recycling, reduced soil erosion, and
enhanced pollination (Pushpakumara et al., 2010)
• Availability of fresh food grown in nutrient-rich soil.
• More vitamins, minerals and enzymes in the food you eat.
• Reduced demands on our land by commercial agriculture.
• Reduced energy used to put food on your plate (currently, 25-30 per cent
of all greenhouse gases produced are the result of agricultural production).
• Healthy and clean waterways by reducing the demand for water to irrigate
and reducing the chemical load entering the waterways from fertilizers and
pesticides.
• Healthy soil by minimizing biomass depletion.
• Added benefits of some physical exercise and mental relaxation.
• Environment friendly
• Personal growth and development
• Maximum utilization of space
• Convenience and time
Source: https://www.sustainablelivingguide.com.au/growyourownfood

Home Gardening Ideas

1. Start out by re-growing your kitchen scraps in water.
● Celery ● Camote tops
● Kangkong ● Lettuce
● Onion ● Alugbati
2. Use Dr. Ed Paningbatan’s Enriched Potting Preparation (EPP)

Dr. Ed is a retired UPLB Soil Science Professor who developed the EPP
technology with nutrient rich compost soil extract.
• Lettuce • Camote • Fruiting vegetables
• Pechay • Alugbati • Culinary herbs
• Mustard • Talinum • Ornamental plants
Another modification to the use of EPP where several PET

bottles with Kangkong held in place by the wire mesh were
dipped in a halved plastic drum with water and algae, to
produce oxygen gas that will help aerate the water and small
tilapia fingerlings to eat the wrigglers of mosquitoes.
https://i2.wp.com/zacsarian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/3859b-sam_1461.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1
3. Windowsill micro garden where our very own colleague Prof. Bong Salazar
had green pak choi, rocket plant, thyme and sweet basil.
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4. Square foot gardening (SFG) is a technique of growing different kinds of vegetables

and other crops that uses minimal space, growing media and other materials which
could be readily available. It is a form of container gardening but it follows a strict
and unique plant spacing by dividing the growing area into a square foot hence the
name.

https://www.facebook.com/icrops.uplb/photos/a.1614947478569250/3222762297787752/?type=3&theater
5. Vertical Garden – a well-suited practical gardening in the urban areas whereby

plants are grown in a vertically suspended panel. It can use soil or soil-less
media (hydroponics). The beauty of the vertical gardens lies in the fact that
it looks good (beautifies spaces) and they are also good for the planet as
well as it helps to reduce the carbon footprint of a building by filtering
pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air, which also benefits those living
nearby as the quality of the air is improved. It operates on the idea of
growing more with less space, labor and inputs.
Things to consider in establishing your home garden.
1. Location
Any location will do as long as it has access to a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight each
day. It can be either morning or afternoon sun. As long as the total sunlight received
is a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, plants will grow healthy.
2. What to plant
After having decided on the garden location, the next step is to decide on what to
plant. In determining the type and kind vegetables and fruits to plant, we should take
the number, respective ages and the nutritional needs of family members as our basis
for decision making. Vegetables as a group constitute an important component in
human diet. However, vegetable consumption in developing countries is often much
less than the minimum intake of 200 g of vegetables recommended by FAO for a
sufficient micronutrient and vitamin supply. Surveys show that the average daily
consumption of vegetables in the Philippines reaches only 100 g. The following
information can be a basis for decision making on what kind of vegetables to plant:

Table 2.2. Examples of vegetables that can be planted in your home garden /BIG
High in Carbohydrates Tuber- Kamote;
The higher the water content of a vegetable, the lower Kamoteng-kahoy/Balinghoy;Taro
is the calorie content. Roots, tubers and seeds of Seeds-Tapilan (rice bean),
plants have a higher starch and sugar content and less Patani (lima bean )
water than the other parts and, hence, provide more Pods- Bataw (hyacinth bean)
calories per unit weight.
High in Protein Seeds – Kadyos; Malunggay;
Vegetables are generally poor sources of protein, Sigarilyas/kalamismis; Sitaw;
except legumes. Many legume seeds (“beans”) Tapilan, Munggo
contain 20 to 40 % protein. On a dry weight basis may Pods - Bataw
of the leafy vegetable contain as much protein as bean.
However, the moisture content is 80 to 90 % in leaves
against 10 % in beans. For example, kangkong contains
1.4 % protein on a fresh weight basis and 20 % protein
on a dry weight basis. When eaten regularly in
adequate quantities, leafy vegetables can substantially
contribute to protein nutrition.
High in Vitamin C Leaves – Alugbati, Pechay,
Vegetables are excellent sources of Vitamins A, C, and Malunggay
B complex (which includes Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, Fruits and leaves - Ampalaya
niacin, panthothenic acid, biotin and folic acid). Scurvy
is a disease of the gums characterized by sponginess
and bleeding caused by lack of Vitamin C. A single
serving of vegetables (91 g) daily, even if badly cooked,
will usually provide at least 10 mg of ascorbic acid, an
amount known to prevent scurvy. Vitamin C also
increases the resistance of the body to clods, coughs
and other respiratory diseases. A six-fold increase in
iron absorption has been observed with the addition of
70 mg ascorbic acid in a corn meal.

High in Vitamin A Leaves – Kangkong; Kalabasa

Lack of Vitamin A causes poor growth and night (tops), Roselle, Malunggay,
blindness, or the inability to the eyes to adapt to Alugbati, Sili
normally to dim light. As deficiency progresses, night Tuber - Carrot
blindness develops in further deterioration of the
eyesight until eventually, complete blindness occurs.
Lack of Vitamin A is a common nutritional problem in
many developing countries. If it accompanies protein
and calorie malnutrition, the mortality may be as high
as 80 %.
The B vitamins are necessary for the utilization of
carbohydrates and proteins as well as in the prevention
of anemia.
Iron Rich Leaves – Alugbati; Pechay;
Mustasa; Malunggay; Ampalaya
Fruits; Tapilan; Talinum; Sweet
potato
Calcium Rich Leaves – Malunggay; Talinum;
Vegetables, along with fruits, constitute the most Roselle; Kamote
important source of minerals. Of the minerals needed Pods - Sitaw
by the body, calcium and iron deserve the most Bataw – pods
attention. Calcium is necessary for the development Tapilan- seeds
and proper functioning of bones and teeth, while iron is Talinum – leaves
needed to prevent anemia. Calcium from vegetables is Roselle – leaves
better bio-available to the human body than calcium Kamote – leaves
from fresh milk. Ampalaya – fruit
Vegetables as source of fiber

The contribution of vegetables as source of fiber is very important. Although edible fiber is not
considered a nutrient and is not absorbed by the body, it is the component of vegetables that
assist in moving food through the alimentary canal by aiding the muscular action of the
intestines, thus preventing constipation. The beneficial effect of fiber on blood cholesterol
level and consequently high blood pressure and heart disease, in preventing gall stones and
cancer of the colon has received increasing attention in recent years. Its large bulk and low
energy value makes it also useful in preventing and treating obesity (fatness). Its role in
effective control of diabetes is also significant.

Vegetables as source of phytochemicals

With names like anthrocyanins, lycopenes, xanthenes, isothiocyanates and sulphoraphane,
these newly identified plant chemicals seem to belong more in a test tube than in a salad. They
are often lumped together under the term "phytochemicals" - phyto from the Greek word for
plant, denoting their plant origins. Vegetables (and fruits) contain hundreds of biologically
active compounds, some of them thought to ward off disease. But much more research work
remains to be done before their true value can be determined and the validity of health claims
assessed.
• Isoflavones
The emerging benefits of soya. Isoflavones, found in soya beans, garbanzo beans, chick peas,
and liquorice have effects somewhat similar to those of the female hormone estrogen and
may help protect against heart disease and possibly breast cancer. In Eastern cultures, soya is
considered both a nutritious food and medicinal agent. In China, the word for soya bean, "ta
tou," means "a great bean," and according to ancient folklore it helps fight heart disease.
Recent research has shown that diets rich in soya help to reduce blood levels of LDL ("bad")
cholesterol - by an estimated 12 to 15 percent (Taku et al., 2007). The isoflavones in soya are
converted in the gut to phytoestrogens ("plant estrogens") that may help reduce LDL blood
cholesterol.
• Sulfur compounds
Garlic is a popular seasoning, that has also long been promoted as a medicinal agent. Garlic
and other allium vegetables - onions, chives, leeks and scallions - contain allylic sulfides,
thought to stimulate enzymes that inhibit bacterial growth.
• Indoles and isothiocyanates

Antioxidant compounds in cruciferous vegetables are believed to inhibit the DNA damage that
triggers some forms of cancer. Two potent chemical groups in those vegetables - the indoles
and isothiocyanates - are formed in some way when cruciferous vegetables are cooked or
chewed, account for some of the "bite" in their taste and are believed to rank high on the
cancer- prevention scale. Broccoli is also rich in soluble fiber, which may help regulate blood
sugar.
• Betaglucan (a soluble form of fiber)

It is contained in legumes, oats and some other grains, and may be helpful in diabetes
control by delaying stomach emptying and slowing glucose absorption in the small intestine.

• Saponins
These are carbohydrate molecules abundant in plant foods such as spinach, potatoes,
tomatoes and oats are thought to suppress the growth of cancers and benefit the heart.
• Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant nutrient found in large amounts in tomatoes, and carrots that may
give substantial protective benefits to human health.
3. Planting Media
One of the keys to "container gardening" success is the planting medium. Container gardening
requires a specific soil mixture to be used. Ordinary garden soil on its own may not be sufficient
if it lacks the properties necessary for healthy plant growth. First and most important, the
growing medium must be porous in order to allow good aeration of the plant roots. A porous
structure will also allow a good drainage, which will minimize the risk of waterlogging and
subsequent rottening of plant roots.
A. Soil-Media
The ideal soil mixture is dark brown in color and looking much like chocolate cookie crumbs.
The ideal growing medium is a mixture of 3 part loam soil, 1 part compost or composted
manure and 1 part rice hull or coconut coir dust or washed river sand. Clayey soil requires 3
parts clay soil to 2 parts of compost to 1 part rice hull (or its substitute).
https://gardentabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/vertical-herb-garden-1024x681.jpg
A living example of Urban Garden Set-up for a Food and Nutrition Secure Future can
be found at the Sky Garden of Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study
and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) headed by our very own Professor Glenn B.
Gregorio, PhD. SEARCA also actively promotes Urban gardening and agriculture in
general specially to the youth.

B. Soil-less media
i. Hydroponics - a low-cost hydroponics system for soil-less vegetable production. It

is best for home-based vegetable production and ideal for small spaces typical in urban
area. It is simple to set-up, maintain and operate since it only requires enough sunlight,
air movement and protection from rain. It does not need electricity compared to other
hydroponics system since it incorporates passive aeration of the nutrient solution used.
The system is also inexpensive since about 90% of the supplies needed to set-up the
system comes from recycled materials and it requires low manpower. Return of
investment can be realized as early as in the first year of operation.
Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) from the Institute of Plant Breeding-UPLB.
https://images.app.goo.gl/hh1qbeE9H4mA9256A

https://images.app.goo.gl/aLbbcoT99k5dNzMN8 https://images.app.goo.gl/hxHiHHqLN4ja9QH36
ii. Integrated system of aquaculture and hydroponics whereby the fish excretions
serves as the “food” for the plants in the system.
Videos you can watch about BIG:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCYO16ns_ao
4. Containers
The design of the containers to choose and use is a manifestation of the design goals set by
the grower depending on his/her bias as well as on the availability of these materials. If the
goal is to showcase the containers, glazed ceramic pots, porcelain pots, plastic pots in all
shape and sizes may be used. With a little talent, indigenous materials available in the locality
may be converted into beautifully looking containers such as cut bamboo poles or coconut
husks etc. The grower’s imagination is setting the limits. If the goal is sustainability, recycling
and finding long-term use of objects that are normally thrown into the garbage, then old tires,
sacks, tin cans, plastic containers for mineral water, oil, milk, catsup, and etc can be used.
5 Planting, Care & Maintenance

5.1 Sowing and planting
Each crop has their own recommended management practices, from soil sterilization, sowing
and transplanting techniques that should be followed. These are available from different
government, non-government and private organizations. Some examples are given in the
supplementary materials.

5.2 Watering needs
During rainy season the plants receive enough water from the rain, thus the need to water the
containers is significantly less to none at all. But during the drier months, watering should be
done, preferably between 7 to 8 o' clock in the morning. If the weather is not too hot, one
watering in the morning is enough for the plants to grow healthily. If it is very hot during the
dry season in the country and the plant demand is high, an additional watering should be done
around 4- 6 o’clock in the afternoon.
5.3 Cultivating and weeding
Cultivating or regularly turning the soil at a depth of 2 to 3 inches below the surface of the
potting medium will encourage maximum air flow around the roots, which encourages bigger
and healthier root growth and subsequently better water and nutrient uptake. Weeding
allows the plants to benefit from the nutrients and water that is provided by the medium
without having to compete with other unwanted plants. It has to be considered that weeds
being native to the environment, usually grow bigger and faster, than cultivated crops.
5.4 Feeding the plants
For fertilizing, the containers may be top dressed with well-composted manure or compost
every two weeks. Alternatively, rice washings and water used to rinse meat and fish may be
used. Instead of throwing them, those can be collected and used to water your plants. You
may also use other forms of fertilizers (such as complete 14-14-14) as the need arises and if
extra money is available.
5.5 Controlling the pests and diseases
Increasing the biodiversity of the container garden is already a way of preventing the
occurrence of pests and diseases. This may be done by growing vegetables from different
botanical families including herbals which may act as repellants to certain pests like basil,
oregano and marigold. In case of an occurrence of infestations, record and apply appropriate
biological, physical, mechanical, and - in severe cases - chemical control measures may be used
but in home gardening this is not encouraged.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Class activity
The students will establish a BIG plot for root and fruiting vegetables and a container for leafy
and leguminous vegetables that will involve integrated activities for most of the exercises
in the course.
Materials Needed (to be provided by the Institute) :

● farm tools such as shovel, grab hoe or pick mattock, and rake.
● sprinkler
● BIG plot area, prepare a 1m*4m raised bed
● For the container garden, 8 recycled containers (plastic bottles from mineral water
or soft drinks, 6L plastic water bottle is ideal) or 16 black seedling bags (size: 7x7x11
or 12*12*19)
● Planting media (soil)
● 4 types of vegetables required: 1. Leafy (Pechay) 2. Fruiting vegetable (Tomato) 3.
Root (Sweet Potato) 4. Legume (Mungbean)
● animal manure/kitchen waste’s compost
● crop residue kakawate/ipil-ipil leaves vegetable seeds (leafy, fruit, root, and
legume) vermicast soil / coconut coir/garden soil or mixed soil

STEPS IN ESTABLISHING THE CONTAINER GARDEN FOR THE LEAFY AND FRUITING
VEGETABLES
Container Gardening
1. Prepare all the materials needed:
✔ Soil
✔ 8 Black Seedling bags (4 pots each
for each vegetable type)
✔ Planting materials (seeds)
✔ Garden tools such as hand trowel,
garden fork, etc.
8 uniformed black seedling bags( 12*12*19) will be provided per section.
Before using the garden soil, remove huge rocks

and other waste materials if any. If the soil is
hardpan, you can use tools to break the soil clods.
Take note that most commercially available seeds are pre-treated (e.g. with fungicide) hence
they may have varying colors as shown above.

1. Transfer the soil to your containers.
3. Plant 2-3 seed per container or depending on the side of your container. The optimum
planting depth is usually 2-3 cm, but it may vary depending on the crop.

4. Cover the seeds with soil. Gently pour some water in each container.
5. Follow subsequent crop management practices which will be discussed throughout this
course.
STEPS IN ESTABLISHING THE BIO-INTENSIVE GARDENING (BIG) FOR THE ROOTING AND
LEGUMINOUS VEGETABLES
1. Identify the site where you will construct your BIG plot. Make sure that it follows the
E-W orientation to avoid shading crops by trellis.
NOTE: It is important that you have already identified your preferred crops based on the
principles of BIG – please see discussion in Exercise 4.
2. Prepare all the materials needed:

✔ Soil
✔ Planting materials
✔ Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium)
leaves
✔ Compost from animal manure
✔ Pails
✔ Garden tools such as spade,
rake, hand trowel, sticks, etc.
3. Distribute the kakawate leaves in your plot. These kakawate leaves will serve as green
manure. Apart from providing nutrients to your crops, it also helps in storing carbon in
the soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere.

4. On top of the kakawate leaves, add 4 pails of animal manure compost.
5. Add soil on top of the compost to further raise your bed. You may use the soil in the
perimeter of your plot. Then, add another layer of compost.

6. Divide plot into 2 equal parts (root, legume,) instead of the 4 parts shown in the picture. You
may use sticks to separate these four parts.
7. Plant your crops with proper spacing depending on the crop.
8. Follow subsequent crop management practices which will be discussed throughout

this course.
4 vegetable type: root, legume, leafy, fruiting vegetables.

Note: Keep a record of the area of your BIG plot or container garden that will be
used later for your Exercise 9 .
Recommended Planting Materials

BIG plots/ container garden:
● Leafy: Pechay (maturity: 35-35 DAT*), Mustard (20-25 DAT)
starting material : seedlings; 4 rows 20 cm between hills
upland kangkong (maturity: 30-45 DAS*)
starting material : seeds/cuttings; 4 rows 15 cm between hills
● Legume: Bush sitao (maturity: 73-80 DAS)
starting material : seeds; 3 rows 30 cm between hills,
Mungbean (maturity:60-70 DAS)
starting material seeds; drill 3 rows with furrow
Cowpea (maturity: 60-90 DAS)
starting material seeds; 2-3 seeds per hill
● Fruiting: corn, okra, tomato (maturity 50-70 DAT)
starting material : seeds; 30 cm between hills 2-3 seeds per hill
● Root: radish (22 TO 70 DAS)
starting material : seeds; 3 rows, 20 cm between hills 2-3 seeds per hill
sweet potato (9 TO 170 DAS)
starting material : cuttings; 20 cm between hill
*DAT - days after transplanting
*DAS -days after sowing
Note :
✔ The rule of thumb for sowing seeds is the depth of seed sowing is twice the size
of the seed. This ensures that there is enough reserve food for the growing shoot
to reach the surface and expand its leaves and start its own manufacturing of food
or photosynthesis.
4. Crop Management . Regularly irrigate and manage your plot/garden every day. These
activity encompasses nutrient and water management (Kitchen waste composting),
and special practices (trellising, ratooning, marcotting, bagging (Pest management)).
5. Prepare a BIG or container gardening journal (NOT REQUIRED BUT GOOD TO HAVE).
a.What do you need to take note and document:
i. Take note of all your activities and man hours if possible and include
dates of documentation – ideally done every day (include photos
per activity ).

ii. List of crops you will be using and the type of planting materials for
each.
(Photo doc)
iii. Land preparation (materials used, photo doc)
iv. Date of sowing, date of transplanting, the man hours or labor since
day 1, cost of your inputs (seeds, soil, containers, compost, labor), the
date of maturity indices of your crops-when did your crop start to
flower?
v. Crop Management and special practices (trellising). Pest management
(Have you noticed any pest damage? What do you think is the pest
responsible for the damage? Photo doc). What home remedies did
you do to address it?
vi. Gather the necessary data at least bi-weekly: plant height, fresh weight
of your harvests and replant if needed based on crop plan. Things to
ponder: What will you do if the plants die after week 7, what alternatives
can you think of if you are a farmer?.
vii. For your leafy vegetable: take note of all the expenses and water
used for irrigation in terms of volume (suggestion: Use a 1.5L bottle
for irrigation and take note how many 1.5L was used daily). These
will be used for you Exercise 9.
6. Afterwards, plant assorted crops according to your cropping plan and be responsible
for the care and maintenance of the BIG plot and your container garden throughout
the semester.
NOTE:
✔ This is a group activity, different group members can be assigned weekly for the
management of the BIG and Container garden. Aside from the keeping a photo
documentation and a journal (not required for submission but will be good to have as it will
be useful for you final integrated report later on), weekly peer evaluation of each of the
members of the group should also be submitted.
✔You are encouraged to consult about your garden if you feel like you need to or
based on your observation but try to research about it first then consult or validate
with your respective faculty-in-charge (FIC).

REQUIRED OUTPUT/S
1. Bio-intensive garden plan- Reflection on the home garden with crops of choice and
cropping calendar/plan for the whole year that they envisioned is feasible in their
homestead to be submitted two weeks after the meeting.
2. Answers to Study Questions.
3. Peer evaluation* (This will be 5% of your BIG technical report)
4. Mandatory bio-intensive garden integrated technical report that is equivalent 25% of your
laboratory grade.*
5. BONUS. The class with the highest amount of yield with the minimum amount of infestation
will win for a maximum bonus point of 10 to be added to the final integrated report grade.
* Major Output for the Laboratory Component of the Class
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Synchronous/Asynchronous
Table 1.4 Exercise 1 Assessment Criteria

Criteria Equivalent Points ( maximum)
Home garden plan (Cropping plan- 20
pictures with narrative)
Study Questions 20
Total 40
The mini home garden report will comprise 25% of the student's laboratory grade. It is an
integration of students' output from Exercises 1 to 9. The suggested format is as follows:

Mini Home Garden Report*
Content Corresponding Score

(s)
I. Introduction 10
● Location, living situation, available resources, limitations,
among others
II. Objective (s) 5

II. Methodology 10
● Description/selection of crop
● Plot/potting media preparation
● Preparation of planting materials
● Special practices
● Nutrient and water management
● Pest management
● Harvest and postharvest management
III. Results/Observations 50
IV. Cost and return analysis 10
V. Summary and conclusion 10
VI. Reflection 5
● Lessons learned, recommendations, implications
*Option: mind map/scientific poster instead of technical report
Grading Rubric Details:
1. Table 1.5. Grading Rubrics for the Home Garden Plan

Beginning (1-8) Accomplished (9-15) Outstanding (16-20)
Information is Main idea is evident Information is
insufficient and/or but weak organization complete;
without basis; not clear purpose and idea
logical presented

2. Table 1.6. Suggested Grading Rubrics for deciding for the

Winning Group
Beginning (1-4) Accomplished (5-7) Outstanding (8-10)
Quality and quantity of Good quantity of harvest Good quality and
the harvest is not good but considerable quantity of the harvest
due to considerable damage is there. with very minor
infestation or mineral infestation or mineral
deficiency. deficiency.
REFERENCES
Fehr WR. 1991. Principles of Cultivar Development, Vol. 1. Macmillan Publishing Company.
536 p.
Taku K, Umegaki K, Sato Y, Taki Y, Endoh K, Watanabe S. Soy isoflavones lower serum total
and LDL cholesterol in humans: a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin
Nutr. 2007 Apr;85(4):1148-56. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/85.4.1148. Erratum in: Am J Clin Nutr. 2007
Sep;86(3):809. PMID: 17413118.
Phillips, T. What are GMOs?

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/nutrition/Genetically-engineered-foods.htm accessed
last 15 July 2008.

Laboratory Exercise No. 1 – Home Gardening STUDY QUESTIONS
1. Explain the basic principles involved in BIG. (5pts)
2. What is the importance of crop rotation in nutrient cycling and pest management? Give
5 practices followed by farmers to actualize the principle. (5pts)
3. Enumerate the benefits of growing your own food as per your experience and that of
others. What can be the causes of home garden’s non-adaptability in an area? (5pts)
4. Relate how BIG may fall under the framework of sustainable agriculture. Cite specific
sustainable development goals accomplished by home gardening/ bio-intensive
gardening. (5pts)

Laboratory Exercise No. 1 – Home Gardening Plan
Name: ________________________________________________ Section: ____

Student No. ________________________________________________ Score: ____

Exercise 1

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AGRI 32- BIO-INTENSIVE GARDENING

Week 02I Feb 12-16, 2024

Laboratory Exercise No. 1

At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to:

Bio-intensive gardening is a form of farming in which a small land area is intensively

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

BIG vs Conventional Mechanized Agriculture has the capacity to:

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Important Considerations in starting your BIG plot

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Principles behind deep dug and raised beds

Cultivation of trellis crops Maximize space and higher yield per

Promotion of local varieties (usually hardy Conserve genetic resources

Inclusion of culturally acceptable, Improve nutrition, reduce health risk

Cultivation of wide range of vegetables Diversification of diet

Inclusion of short duration crops Avoid seasonal food deficiencies

Perennial, polycultural, multistoried fence Wind breaks, availability of food

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Water Conservation

Starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Weeding

a Bio-intensive Garden: Pest Control

Starting a Bio-intensive Garden: Pest Control

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Intrinsic Characteristics of Home Gardens (Michelle and Hanstad 2004):

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Harvest frequency Daily, seasonal

Benefits of Home Gardening:

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Home Gardening Ideas

2. Use Dr. Ed Paningbatan’s Enriched Potting Preparation (EPP)

Another modification to the use of EPP where several PET

4. Square foot gardening (SFG) is a technique of growing different kinds of vegetables

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

5. Vertical Garden – a well-suited practical gardening in the urban areas whereby

Things to consider in establishing your home garden.

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

High in Vitamin A Leaves – Kangkong; Kalabasa

Vegetables as source of fiber

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Vegetables as source of phytochemicals

• Indoles and isothiocyanates

• Betaglucan (a soluble form of fiber)

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

i. Hydroponics - a low-cost hydroponics system for soil-less vegetable production. It

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Videos you can watch about BIG:

5 Planting, Care & Maintenance

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

5.2 Watering needs

5.3 Cultivating and weeding

5.4 Feeding the plants

5.5 Controlling the pests and diseases

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

Materials Needed (to be provided by the Institute) :

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

8 uniformed black seedling bags( 12*12*19) will be provided per section.

Before using the garden soil, remove huge rocks

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

1. Transfer the soil to your containers.

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

2. Prepare all the materials needed:

8 uniformed black seedling bags( 121219) will be provided per section.

Name: ____________________________________________ Section: