lundi 4 décembre 2017

Back to Eden Garden "Ish"

Yes, we sheet compost, in clay soil. I've gardened in mucky soil, loamy (perfect) soil, sandy loam, and now for 20+ yrs in clay. Clay is actually a good soil to have, as it retains nutrients and moisture. Downside is the heaviness--which can become hardened if it is left exposed.

Be aware, it will take far more than 1 season to improve your soul.
In Texas however you can accomplish it faster that about 5-7 yrs (which ours took).

We dig in all the kitchen scraps, plus additional egg shells, coffee grounds, stale bread/ends from a small private school near us. Also keep all soil entirely covered with leaf mulch, grass clippings, and wood chips along paths.

We have a few areas of perennial weeds which we smother with cardboard or multi-layers of brown paper lawn bags. Weighted down with leaf mulch or wood chips. These areas are left for several years (and watch carefully for any weeds creeping out along edges).

We did bring in some "topsoil" to raise the gardens up a few inches, but mixed in with the clay soil. That is the only purchased "amendment" however I also buy alfalfa cubes and put a handful at base of shrubs (roses, currants, berries) and if I have enough also tomatoes & peppers. Alfalfa cubes are at the feed store (horses eat them?). Very inexpensive.

Don't try to work the soil too much--just dig under with a shovel and add your 2 gallons of kitchen scraps, cover it back up, and let the worms do the work! We leave the shovel right there in the soil, so in a few days, next 2 gallons of kitchen scraps goes in another spot. In a years time you may have gotten every area of your garden sheet composted.

Of course your growing beds won't be getting 2 gallons dug in, for 3-4 months, so once you've harvested, that's when you focus on that bed.

I havent watched the video you mention mention, will have to check it out.

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Back to Eden Garden "Ish"

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