>>979205Well, of course. They are farming for other people, not just themselves. The cousin's father-in-law isn't monocrop & is constantly expanding. The uncle has a day job. That is exactly what I was talking about. The former keeps increasing his workload while the former has plenty of time for a day job.
Stable farms, that are not increasing in size or increasing workload all the time are almost always monocrop or self-sustaining. Both of those types, when properly maintained have a very low work load due to methods and machinery.
>>979212Use the bamboo as garden stakes for the yellow pear tomatoes. You can also use it to make the raised bed. Depending on the species you can also eat the new tender shoots of the bamboo. As far as the raised bed design, make it only as wide as you can reach into it halfway. The height will depend on what you plant and how much soil you'll be putting into it. If the style can be made taller later on then that is even better. If you want to sit on the bed walls then you'll need wide stone, bricks, and/or cinder blocks. soil migration out of the bed can be a problem if there are holes int eh wall. Either line the inside with flat rocks or thick black plastic.
