-Mike Weeks- Every year, I find myself getting asked how to amend gardens and raised beds with soil amendments. This can be easy to do, but there are a few steps that should be taken before applying anything. The first thing that should be determined is what your soil type is. What is the percentage of sand, silt, clay, and humus? I like to perform what is called a mason jar soil test to get that information. This is an easy process that will involve mixing a soil sample into a jar and taking … [Read more...] about Amending and Beyond!
Soil Test
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
Soil Testing: Learn your soil needs
Testing your soil is an important part of growing food- especially in areas with geologically old, nutrient-depleted, acidic soils as are commonly found in the Eastern United States. Fall is the perfect time of year to get your soil tested to see what type and quantity of soil amendments you need to give your plants the nutrients they need without adversely affecting the soil or environment. Application of too much nitrogen and phosphorus, for example, can leech into waterways and cause … [Read more...] about Soil Testing: Learn your soil needs
The Groundhog Has Spoken Part 1
Nibbles, our regional groundhog celebrity, decreed (with Shadow advising behind the scenes) that Spring will arrive early this year. Great advice from an adorable rodent that loves to eat precious crops. Picture from www.fireflyfans.net Still, it's an excuse to ignore the icy hug of winter and prepare for the season of rejuvenation. If this is the first year for growing, or you have some questions about your land and how to best prepare it, here's some prep to get you ready for Spring … [Read more...] about The Groundhog Has Spoken Part 1
