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Soil and Organic Gardening

Just what is Organic Gardening? Simply put, it is growing plants in harmony with nature by improving the soil and using diverse organic fertilizers, amendments and ecologically sound pest controls.

Feeding the soil is the foundation of organic gardening. Conventional gardening practices dismiss the soil as merely a growing medium and focus more intently on feeding the plant with synthetic fertilizers, which may eventually poison the soil and diminish its natural capacity for supporting plant health. However, organic gardening advocates an emphasis on continually strengthening the soil to create an environment that not only promotes healthy, vibrant plant growth but, also allows the plant to grow at a natural pace and produce the best tasting, most nutritious foods for you and your family.

For plants to grow they need air, water, a porous medium for root expansion and food, which is provided by organic matter in the soil and can be supplemented with the addition of amendments, composts, manures, minerals, natural fertilizers or by companion plants such as legumes. Besides providing plant nutrients, organic matter serves additional functions as well: it adds structure to sandy soils and helps loosen clay, it retains moisture, improves aeration and feeds the beneficial inhabitants, bacteria and fungi present in the soil. Organic matter originates from once living sources such as decaying plants and their root systems, mulch and woody materials, soil organisms and plant waste in the form of compost. This process of renewal and decay eventually transforms the organic matter into humus, a highly complex substance which is often described as the Ôlife-forceÕ of a healthy soil.

Mature compost is also referred to as ÔhumusÕ and is thought by some to be the most important factor in the enrichment of soils in both a physical and chemicalsense. Besides increasing fertility, compost also helps the soil retain moisture and encourages the formation of good soil structure. Chemically, it makes nutrients more available to plants and feeds the soil population of microorganisms and other creatures, thus maintaining high and healthy levels of soil life. Compost is also an ideal way to recycle what would otherwise be considered home and yard waste. Backyard composting transforms waste into a valuable resource and reduces the amount of materials heading towards landfills.

Cover crops are another way to increase organic matter and feed your soil at the same time. They help break up compacted soils and control erosion while deterring weeds and attracting beneficial insects. When mown and left to decompose they can be referred to as a Ôgreen manureÕ, acting like mulch and slowly adding nutrients to the soil. Good cover crops choices include: alfalfa, barley, buckwheat, clovers, fava beans, field peas, oats, vetch, winter rye and wheat.

Mulch can be placed around plants to help retard weeds, hold moisture, prevent erosion and modify soil temperatures. Gradually, the mulch materials will slowly break down, adding to the organic matter content and enriching the soil further. Excellent sources of mulch that are readily available include leaves, bark, straw, pine needles and even plain cardboard.

Keep in mind that compost, cover crops and mulch should be used as part of a comprehensive organic system to increase soil fertility and thereby, improve plant growth and production. A natural fertilizer can complement the nutrients present in these amendments to enhance all fruit and vegetable plants growing in your garden. Organic gardeners can employ these choices to revitalize their soil while promoting a sustainable approach to gardening and developing a deeper relationship with the greater ecosystem we call Planet Earth.

Container Gardening

• Allow two gallons of container size for every foot of plant height (e.g. a two foot high plant will need a four gallon pot.)
• Many plants grow quickly and may become root bound in a short time, so select a pot large enough for future growth.
• Down To Earth's Potting Soil has adequate drainage material, so it is not necessary to add rocks or broken pottery pieces to the inside bottom of the containers.
• Keep the soil slightly moist. Water when needed once or twice a week during the summer and once a month during the winter. Do not over water.
• To regulate green growth and encourage more flowers add a dry powdered fertilizer when planting and a liquid fertilizer thereafter as needed.

Down to Earth natural products for the home and garden