Gardening Stories

Ancient Gardening Techniques

Discover how ancient gardening techniques, like biological pest control and cooperative planting, are being revived today.

Exploring the Revival of Ancient Gardening Techniques

In the gardening world, it can seem like there is always a newer and better way to do things. However, sometimes, it is worth taking a look back at what used to work for crop and flower growers long before modern techniques took hold.

In this blog, we will explore ancient gardening techniques and take a look at examples of them being implemented in todays world.

Ancient Gardening Techniques
Biological Pest Control
Layering Vegetable Beds
Ancient Irrigation
Cooperative Planting
The Ancient Gardening Revival
Conclusion

Ancient Gardening Techniques

Long before chemical fertilisers, synthetic pesticides, and automated irrigation systems, ancient civilisations relied on sustainable and innovative gardening practices. These techniques have been passed down through generations and, with a renewed interest in eco-friendly and organic gardening, they are making a comeback.

From the use of natural pest control to irrigation systems that conserved water, many of these ancient methods were based on the understanding of nature’s cycles and the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

As modern gardeners increasingly seek ways to grow food and flowers in harmony with the environment, these age-old practices are more relevant than ever.

Biological Pest Control

Biological pest control involves combatting pests through non-chemical means. The first known biological method of pest control on a large scale dates back to 324BC China, where farmers used Asian weaver ants to reduce insect populations that were harmful to citrus trees. This ancient strategy has since evolved into modern-day biocontrol, which involves using natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations.

One of the key advantages of biological pest control is that it doesn’t harm the environment. Today, gardeners can use beneficial insects such as ladybugs to control aphids, or introduce nematodes to target soil-dwelling pests without disrupting the ecosystem.

In fact, biological pest control is experiencing a revival in organic farming and sustainable gardening practices worldwide. Instead of relying on harmful chemicals that damage both plants and soil, gardeners are increasingly turning to natural solutions both for pesticides and fertilisers that work with nature rather than against it.

Layering Vegetable Beds

Layering vegetable beds, often referred to as “lasagna gardening” or “sheet composting,” is a technique rooted in ancient gardening traditions. The concept is simple: instead of tilling the soil, gardeners create layers of organic material such as leaves, cut grass, straw, and compost, directly on top of the soil. These layers decompose over time, enriching the soil and providing nutrients for plants.

This technique dates back to ancient civilisations like the Aztecs, who practiced a form of raised bed gardening known as "Chinampa." These floating gardens were created by layering mud and decaying vegetation on top of lakes, allowing them to grow crops like maize, beans, and squash in nutrient-rich soil.

The modern equivalent of layering vegetable beds offers several benefits: it requires less work than traditional tilling, reduces soil erosion, conserves moisture, and improves soil structure. It's a sustainable and low-maintenance way to grow vegetables, and it also helps suppress weeds without the need for herbicides.

A vegetable bed with rows of lettuces, leeks and other vegetables.

Ancient Irrigation

Ancient civilisations were remarkably skilled at managing water resources, and their irrigation systems were key to the success of their crops. One of the most famous examples is the qanat system, developed by the Persians over 3,000 years ago. This system involved the construction of underground channels that tapped into water sources deep beneath the earth, allowing for the irrigation of arid lands without losing water to evaporation.

In a similar vein, the ancient Egyptians developed a system of basin irrigation along the Nile River, using the annual flooding of the river to water their fields (Kiger, 2021). The Inca civilisation, too, developed sophisticated terracing and irrigation systems in the Andean mountains that allowed them to grow crops in challenging, mountainous terrain.

In today’s world, with the looming challenges of water scarcity and climate change, these ancient irrigation techniques are being revisited as a way to conserve water while improving crop yield.

For example, modern-day farmers are looking to implement “keyline design,” which mimics ancient techniques by using the natural contours of the land to efficiently manage water flow and reduce runoff.

A garden with lawn, flower bed, banana palm and hedgerow.

Cooperative Planting

Cooperative planting, also known as companion planting, involves growing different types of plants together in a way that benefits each other. This technique has roots in many ancient cultures, including Native American traditions.

One famous example is the “Three Sisters” method, in which corn, beans, and squash are planted together. The corn provides support for the beans to climb, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil to nourish the corn, and the squash acts as a ground cover to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

The benefits of cooperative planting are twofold: it helps maximise the use of available space and resources, and it often leads to healthier, more productive plants. This practice is still popular today among organic gardeners and is a key part of permaculture systems, where the goal is to create self-sustaining and resilient gardens.

The Ancient Gardening Revival

As the world becomes more aware of environmental sustainability and the importance of local food production, there has been a resurgence of interest in ancient gardening techniques. From biological pest control to cooperative planting, gardeners are looking to the past for solutions to modern problems.

Many of these methods not only reduce the need for harmful chemicals but also promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and conserve water, critical aspects of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Whether in urban gardens or rural farms, these ancient practices are proving that, sometimes, the best way forward is to look back.

Conclusion

The revival of ancient gardening techniques highlights the wisdom of our ancestors and the timeless relationship between humans and the land. By embracing methods like biological pest control, layering vegetable beds, ancient irrigation systems, and cooperative planting, we can create gardens that are more sustainable, productive, and harmonious with nature.

As gardeners, whether beginners or experienced, we can learn a great deal from these age-old practices to cultivate not only beautiful gardens but also a more resilient and eco-conscious world.