Corn can provide the shade that cucumbers enjoy.Shallow/Deep rooting—One example is shallower-
rooting beans interplanted with deeper-rooting corn. A
dynamic process of improved soil structure occurs over
time as plants with root systems of di5ering depths and
breadths work di5erent areas of soil in the planting
bed.^5
Fast/Slow maturing—The French intensive gardeners
were able to grow as many as 4 crops in a growing bed
at a time due to the staggered growth and maturation
rates of di5erent vegetables. The fact that the edible
portions of the plants appeared in di5erent vertical
locations also helped. Radishes, carrots, lettuce, and
cauli'ower were grown together in 1 combination used
by the French to take advantage of these differences.
Vertical location of the plant’s edible portion—See
fast/slow maturing illustration, opposite.