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May 16, 2008

Using ancient ways in my own backyard


• My wife watering the Milpa. •
I had no idea what a Milpa was until I read Using ancient ways to reclaim Mexico's Barren Lands in the byline portal this week. I'm no expert on Milpas but I believe I might be halfway there.

I have a small plot in my backyard (10 feet x 15 feet) with tomatoes, melons, pumpkin, corn, and peppers that I planted not too long ago. There are no rows or any order to the placement of the plants.


• The Milpa on May 15, 2008. •
My wife read the article also and we were inspired to add beans and squash to the mix to make it a more authentic Milpa. In another 3 months I'm expecting all the vegetables to grow together making somewhat of a vegetable smorgasbord. I hope this farming practice does in fact create natural barriers to disease.

Does anyone know if this constitutes a real Milpa? Please let me know. I'll keep you posted as our Milpa grows.
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Comments (1)

Elisa:

A Nicaraguan friend of mine told me all his family and friends at home had Milpas. He described it as a family backyard vegetable garden, similar I guess, to what you are doing.
I imagine if you combine the proper crops and move the garden every couple of years you be providing the same disease control as authentic Milpas.
Good luck and please do keep posting pictures of your growing garden.

Posted by Elisa | May 21, 2008 6:16 PM

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