-Patrick Metz- I am getting ready to start a new garden plot. For years I have employed a technique known as double-digging to get started. The concept is simple and effective. The goal: create a deep bed of loose, well-amended soil without harming and undoing the work of the biology already in the soil - earthworms, microbes, fungi. This technique creates a beautifully cultivated plot and an excellent rooting zone for your future plants. So what's the catch? It is labor intensive and … [Read more...] about Raised-Bed Gardening
Raised Beds
Time to get the planting beds ready
The time is coming that we gardeners have been waiting for -- getting the planting beds ready. Start now and you'll have more time in season for the actual seeding and planting! Here's a checklist of things to do: Plan out what you're going to plant in each bed, taking into consideration putting plants together that require the same soil conditions. A simple diagram of each bed on a piece of paper will do. Check your soil pH in each bed. If needed, add amendments to each bed to raise … [Read more...] about Time to get the planting beds ready
How to winterize your Smart Pot raised beds
Smart Pot raised beds are a good alternative to wood or plastic sided raised beds, especially in the colder months. A Smart Pot is a planting container made out of a breathable, synthetic fabric. They are lightweight and durable (mine have been up for over 3 years now), and have the unique ability to air prune the plants' root structure by allowing the roots to grow through the fabric sides, dry up, and prune themselves off. This allows your plants to get bigger and healthier, with a stronger … [Read more...] about How to winterize your Smart Pot raised beds
Garden Guru Chat Part 1
The first steps towards developing a garden--especially if you're new to the concept--can be quite daunting. If your time is precious and you can't put triple digit hours in each week and you're not a trust fund kid, then getting someone to blueprint the green space will be ideal. Luckily, Asheville is home to a plethora of garden consultants of every persuasion from permaculture gardening to Japanese style landscaping. Two of the best in the business are Gary Deetz and Jim Smith who both … [Read more...] about Garden Guru Chat Part 1
