Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Smoothie Garden Solution
To make digging easier, use the heel-not the ball-of your foot to
push the spade into the ground. To help prevent back strain or
injury, slide the dirt off the spade or shovel rather than throwing it
off.
Plants also need good air circulation to breathe. If the soil is satur-
ated with water, there isn't any room left in the soil for air circula-
tion. If the air supply is cut off for any length of time, the plant roots
will rot, killing the plant. That's why it's crucial to know your own soil
conditions. Keep a record of rainfall and regularly check the moisture
in your soil either with a moisture meter or by digging into the soil
with your hands or a small shovel to see how far down the moisture
is. Water when needed. If you are a novice gardener, it can take
time to get to know your soil and climate, so initially it is important
to observe and jot down some notes so you can refer back to them
the following season.
Combating Drainage Problems
You need a fertile, well-drained soil to grow great vegetables;
however, most gardeners are not blessed with perfect soil or the
perfect garden site.
How do you make your soil healthier and get proper drainage if
you live in a rainy climate or you have soggy soil? What do you do if
you have the opposite problem-a sandy soil that does not hold any
amount of water? How do you increase the amount of moisture in
this type of soil?
Adding organic material is the solution to both problems. It will
help lighten heavy soil so the water can drain better, and it will add
