The Theory of Constraints in Gardening

Introduction Gardening is a system, just like any other, and every system has a limiting factor: something that holds it back from reaching its full potential. This idea comes from the Theory of Constraints. The basic premise is simple: identify the biggest bottleneck, fix it, and the entire system improves. In gardening, constraints can take many forms: light, temperature, water availability, soil quality, space, and even the timing of tasks. Different gardening methods have evolved to tackle these challenges, each aiming to optimize the flow of resources and reduce inefficiencies. Let’s take a closer look at how some popular approaches address key constraints. ...

March 7, 2025