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Tip for saving money on compost, soil and manure

By
Barbara Eilert
on June 18, 2008 4:56 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)
topsoil and manure.jpg

If you prefer to purchase bags of soil and manure: here's a tip for saving money. Walk past the brightly colored bags of brand names in the front of the store or garden center and head to the back rows.

 

The brand names will tout "organic soil", "organic garden soil" and such. But, the bags in the back will be rich and organic as well. And a whole lot cheaper.

 

The price difference can be staggering. At the garden center for my local home improvement store, the brands in the front of the store sold for $8.99 to $16.99 per forty pound bag. Compare that to the ones above that sold for $1.97 to $2.97. Big difference!

 

I used the same stuff last year, and my plants loved it. They were strong and healthy. This year, I added more. And as my garden guru said: "Man! You've got some seriously rich soil here." 

 

And then he went to the store to buy some for his garden.

Green garden - as in organic

By
Barbara Eilert
on June 18, 2008 2:22 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
For years, I've practiced organic gardening whenever possible. Compatible plantings, beneficial insect introductions and most of all, healthy soil, can prevent many of the common garden problems and bring you a bountiful harvest.

Here are some of my favorite tips, which have worked well over the years:
  • Prepare the soil early by adding manure and compost when you till, before you plant.
    Cow manure, zoo poop, blood and bone meal, fish emulsion and worm castings all add nutrients. Ask a local nursery what works best in your climate. You may also want to test some soil samples - most local agriculture extension offices can perform this service for a modest fee.
  • Investigate drip irrigation systems. They use less water, take less time, and are relatively cheap to install. A win all the way around!
  • If you don't have a lot of worms - get some! They will aerate your soil so you don't have to, and their castings (aka poop) nourish the soil for free!
  • Got pesky bugs? Most nurseries sell beneficial insects like lady bugs, which have voracious appetites for aphids.
  • Avoid treated lumber as a border or bin material for raised beds where you grow food. The chemicals used to treat the lumber leach out into the soil, and into your plants.

Getting ready for this year's garden

By
Barbara Eilert
on March 17, 2008 2:08 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Wow! In four days it is Spring Equinox! Already in my climate, the hyacinths, tulips and day lilies are poking up through the soil. Most of the trees look ripe to flower anytime. Friends in Southern California say the flowers are already in bloom, and the weather getting hot. In the next month, time to plant the borders, vegetables and herbs.

In the meantime, here is a picture from last summers garden. The marigolds on the edge kept the bunnies out.

mstick_080407 193.jpg

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