Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The more organic matter you can prevent leaving your backyard farm to the landfill, and remain-
ing to feed your land, the better off your soil—and your produce—will be.
Organic Fertilizers and Soil Supplements
It seems that all farmers have a fertilizer blend or soil amendment they just swear by, and I think
that's because soil varies so much in composition and makeup. Our area in Oklahoma tends to
benefit from small applications of lime, but other areas have different deficiencies to contend with.
Over the Garden Fence
I highly recommend taking soil samples to your local county extension office for testing. You'll learn if
there are any specific deficiencies that you need to address. Deficiencies in your soil become deficiencies
in your crop, which in turn become deficiencies in your family's diet!
Even with healthy soil as a base, I like to add some plant food to our heavy feeders like asparagus,
tomatoes, and potatoes. I found a great recipe for organic fertilizer in the topic
Gardening When
It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times
by Steve Solomon. The mix is inexpensive when made in
bulk and can be applied right onto the soil around the plants.
Commercially purchased soil amendments often come in large plastic sacks.
(Photo courtesy of Brannan Sirratt)
