Stuff about Gardening

D. Bates Squash Garden in August

by Catherine Haug, March 20, 2012

(photo, right, by Don Bates)

It’s time to get busy preparing your garden for the season. Some of us already have gardens; some are thinking about creating a garden; and others are utilizing their local community garden (such as Bigfork-Ferndale Community Garden at St. Patrick’s).  The seed companies have sent out their seed catalogues for us to drool over. Have you caught the gardening bug?

Mother Earth News has some great articles on garden design, soil health and other gardening topics:

About the articles, and more

Care and Cultivation of Permanent Garden Beds was featured in  the February issue of the magazine, and discusses different types of permanent beds – ground-level, raised beds and low beds – and how best to cultivate and enhance their soil without compacting the soil. Compaction deprives the soil’s microbes of oxygen, making it less fertile. According to the article, a big part of the solution to soil compaction is using a broadfork. Another recommendation is to lay down planks to step on – they distribute your weight over a wider area, minimizing compaction beneath your feet.

Build Permanent Garden Beds & Paths is very inspirational on garden design. I just love the idea of beds separated by paths. These can be laid out in a grid or maze pattern, in terraces on a hillside, and many other beautiful arrangements. Create Easy, Low Cost Raised Garden Beds shows how to build beds using concrete blocks.

Simple tips for better garden soilUsing natural fertilizers: soil nutrients, green manure and making compostHow the compost pile turned into a thriving rock garden and Make biochar – this ancient technique will improve your soil are all about soil improvement.

Thanks to Jean H for loaning me the Feb/Mar 2012 issue of Mother Earth News.

Related posts on The EssentiaList

General gardening topics

see also The EssentiaList Files on Gardening

The EssentiaList on composting & soil enhancement






 


 

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