Organic Culture

[Pharmer Phil]

Hey Freyaulfr, They appeal to the ladies as well, of course, sometimes I worry about Lauras liking of fire
They can also be used with a smaller tank of gas, something like used on a small torch.

[GrannyG]

I container garden all year long, plus we have a big garden we plow up every year. I use my old coffee grounds and crush my egg shells up and put them around my squash plants...they thrive !...I keep my coffee cans and fill them with the old grounds and egg shells from breakfast, and take them to the garden on the week-end. Love to dig in the dirt, I am a dirt-a-holic. There is something about the soil that takes away all the cares of the day. The mulberry trees are blooming and there are alot of bees a buzzing...so good to see them.

[jerseycub]

Well I see it pays to dig into the old posts now and then Phil. I just called Harbor Freight and ordered one of those hot weeders. As far as composting goes for me it's like a horse race everyone picks the one they think will win. I guess that's why theirs more then one. I use Horse poop and shredded leaves as well as household waste with some imported topsoil mix it all every two weeks or so. I also plant a cover crop in the fall, I use winter rye,hairy vetch, and red clover; It works good in this area because it is a sandy loom soil and needs something to hold it together. I have learned one thing about gardening over the years and that is the soil is always in need of more nourishment, because it's a living thing that also gives of itself to help create more life.

[Compost Pharmer]

I add home made compost to my garden every year, when I till it, in the fall. The compost may not be completely finished, but will finish in the ground over winter. It sure breaks up the hard black clay.
This year I was able to till about 6 inches deep. The 1st year I was lucky to till half an inch deep. All the grass clippings mulch gets tilled in as well. I never do a soil test. I figger that all the compost makes the PH close to neutral.

[notherdigger]

Well I sure packed up my compost when I moved last year. Worked too hard to make it and not about to waste it. My real problem is I don't have the room to store all the leaves and grass I could collect in a year's time. But I manage to use some of it.

[rivervalleymama]

Another thing to consider, that I'm still learning about, is a no till method. Charger mentions forest floors and it's kind fo the same idea. Not disturbing the precious micro-ecosystems within the soil is crucial to how root systems thrive and how decomposing matter decomposes. FungiPerfecti has a product called MycoGrow that I've been using with my houseplants and have been seeing wonderful results with. Basically it's a bunch of different types of fungal mycelium that is found in the soil that helps roots get the water and nutrients the plants need and help break down organic matter making it more readily available. THese are some of the organisms damaged by tilling and compacting.

[spuds]

May 6, 2009 9:36:27 GMT -6 @rivervalleymama said:

Another thing to consider, that I'm still learning about, is a no till method.

We have a few small beds doing that,seems to work really well.

.........

[rivervalleymama]

Are you folllowing any particular no till method?

[spuds]

Layering with the shredded newspaper from the chicken/ducks floor and adding tree wastes mostly.Has turned into very rich black soft soil.

[hollyberrylady08]

Wow - great tips in this thread! Thanks guys.

: )

[crftychk13]

I need to read more about no till methods soon. I like the idea and what I have read so far. Its supposed to be good for keeping the weeds down too.