My grandmother taught me that you cannot just take from a garden; you must always give back and care for the soil. This is a lesson I apply to any garden that I tend. No matter the soil type, adding organic matter will improve soil structure and make more nutrients available to plants.
Topping soil with a generous amount of compost will improve it over time. Clay soil will become more workable and better draining, while sandy soil will develop better moisture-retaining capacity. The addition of organic matter needs to happen on a regular basis—at least once a year. As I have witnessed, once this practice stops, clay-based soil reverts back to heavy clay and sandy soil reverts back to being lean and sandy.
Here are a few ways you can secure that essential organic matter.
1. Start a compost system
Multiple bins make the process even more efficient. Depending on your budget, you can build your own setup with recycled pallets, or buy a complete system.
2. Get to know a farmer
Photo: Visivasnc/dreamstime.com
If a friend or community member keeps livestock, ask for some manure. Well-composted manure is an excellent source of organic matter.
3. Chop and drop
Photo: courtesy of Paul Zammit
Rather than taking all your garden debris to the compost bin, consider chopping small branches and stems into smaller pieces and leaving them in the garden to break down.
4. Leave the leaves
Photo: courtesy of Paul Zammit
Free organic matter drifts down from the treetops each autumn. Collect leaves from the lawn or from a neighbor who might be discarding them. Shred them and add them to the compost bin, or use them as a moisture-retaining mulch.
Paul Zammit is a professor of sustainable horticulture at Niagara College in southern Ontario.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Worx WG323 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Pole/Chain Saw with Auto-Tension (Battery & Charger Included)
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
[12’ EXTRA REACH] It takes just a few minutes and no tools to attach the pole. And with a reach of up to 12’ and only 10 lbs., you’ll be able to get to branches and limbs before they become a problem. Please refuel before use, but oil is sold separately. [FAST, CLEAN CUTS] This cordless 20V PowerShare chain saw is as fast and powerful as anything in its class. And with no gas, and no cord, there’s much less muss and fuss. [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] The same battery powers over 75plus 20V, 40V, and 80V lifestyle, garden, and power tools in the Power Share family. [AUTO-CHAIN TENSION] The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand. [AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION] The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, but it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand. [COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT] The saw itself weighs only 10 lbs. You’ll work longer, with less strain on your hands, arms, back, and legs. [PLENTY OF JUICE] These are the same batteries we use on our Jawsaw and in our lawnmowers. They’re powerful enough for those, and powerful enough for a chainsaw.
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.
Every owner of a garden plot is faced with the problem of disposing of garden residues. Proper organization of a composter on the site solves not only the problem of waste disposal, but also provides especially valuable organic fertilizer - compost. Of course, there can always be an additional problem - flies in compost bins. I advise you to learn more about how to get rid of them here https://gardeniaorganic.com/get-rid-of-flies-compost-bins/
Comments
Every owner of a garden plot is faced with the problem of disposing of garden residues. Proper organization of a composter on the site solves not only the problem of waste disposal, but also provides especially valuable organic fertilizer - compost. Of course, there can always be an additional problem - flies in compost bins. I advise you to learn more about how to get rid of them here https://gardeniaorganic.com/get-rid-of-flies-compost-bins/
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in