The Lean Farm & The Lean Farm to Growing Vegetables are two books on lean methods to grow vegetables. Author Ben and his wife earn a good living in the US, by using efficiency methods gleaned from the Japanese car industry to create high yields and good profits, from a small acreage of land where they grow organic vegetables for sale. From a Mennonite community (similar to Amish), he was raised in a culture of simple living, where people don’t waste anything.
See plants & trees to avoid near pets (avoid cocoa/pine/rubber mulch & fresh compost near pets). Use humane safe slug/snail deterrents and safer alternatives to netting for wildlife. Many plants (inc. yew & oak trees) are toxic to equines. Also see how to grow herbs.
If growing near houses or in greenhouses, keep plants away from pets (cats may knock them over). Never place plants near windows, as this confuses birds. See how to stop birds flying into windows.
Whether you are producing carrots or cars, you can interchange the same philosophy. This makes small organic farms more profitable, and also more eco-friendly as there is less waste. Working smarter (instead of harder) also helps to prevent farmer burnout and back injuries.
The method of farming is based on the Japanese technique of kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy that translates to ‘change for the better’. From making good use of land to selling produce locally, you’ll also learn how to use Japanese paper pot transplanters, build your own germinating chambers, lean up your greenhouse and make and apply simple composts.
This flexible system of farming adapts to change, even in the face of changing weather and markets. More than just cutting costs, this book is about growing better food that your customers wants.
