Respect The Soil

It has been said that the best definition of agriculture is: Fostering the regrowth of foods you favor. I took this simple meaning to heart and applied it to my method of gardening. The reason I am approaching the subject in this manner is because methods we gardeners use is crucial to our success and often key in our failure. If you don't respect the soil, it will leave you, sometimes literally. If you neglect boundaries of your planting space, Mother Nature will promptly take it back. We don't really own the ground we walk upon and we should treat it as a gift under our care.

Remember: Every plant can't survive everywhere. There is a reason apples are popular up north. There is a reason grapes are grown only in certain areas, and so on. Just because we know a way to force a plant to produce outside it's natural habitat does not make it a good idea and will cause harm and waste in the long run.

As such; the use of chemicals should be kept to a minimum with the goal of reaching zero levels of those additives. Chemical fertilizers for example, actually deplete the soil over time. Excess watering causes salt build-up, poor placement and over-tilling accelerates erosion, and the list goes on. The point of composting and proper soil management is to build your soil from year to year. Strive to make chemicals obsolete in your space.

Be happy to see bugs, worms, spiders, and a host of insects swarming in the mulch. That indicates the soil is healthy. There are ways to naturally repel insects (and animals) from eating your veggies. Don't be so quick to slather on the latest stinky potion you can find at Home Depot. It may kill a few, but it will also kill part of the living community that is your soil. Of course whatever lingers can get into your body as well. If the ants build a huge mound under your tomatoes, poke it day to day and they will move. Make use of loose netting, hot peppers crushed and mixed with water for a good spray that will turn most gnawing critters on their heels. Use the Internet- there's a natural way to do anything when it comes to gardening. It will save you time, money, and heartache.

Don't settle for being just a user of nature, strive to become part of it.

Later,

Kammy