Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Smoothie Garden Solution
Steep slopes where rainfall can wash away soil are not the best
place to plant your vegetable garden. A slight slope will work if you
plant your rows across the slope. On level ground, run your rows
north to south to maximize exposure to the sun.
Collect Organic Matter
No matter how fertile your soil is, you will always need to add in
organic matter on a regular basis as the plants use up the nutrients
in the existing soil. Your garden soil will always need to be replen-
ished. Contact local farms that may have animal manure for you to
use. Some may charge for it, others may give it away, and still oth-
ers will give it away if you come and clean out the pens! Try to get
as much as you can.
Plan Your Crop Rotation
Planting your vegetables in a new area each year is an important
aspect of organic gardening. This helps prevent pests and disease
and keeps your soil healthier.
Plant Cover Crops
Cover crops are an inexpensive way to add organic matter to your
garden soil. These are green plants that are usually planted in the
fall and turned under in early spring. The green tops and plant roots
add the organic matter to the soil. There are a variety of crops you
can grow depending on what type of soil you have and what you
want the crop to ultimately do for the soil. They can be used to add
nitrogen to the soil, prevent weeds from growing, or just to add in
lots of organic matter, which will decompose into a rich humus
material. Check with your local garden center or any seed catalog for
the varieties that are available for your area.
