24-06 - Flipbook - Page 32
Mi n i str i es
How To Add More Nutrients To Any Soil
Linda Parker
We can9t discount the importance of the
soil from which food is grown. Plants grow
from their roots and the roots are in the
soil. If the dirt isn9t healthy, we can9t expect what9s grown in it to be.
Most homes aren9t built on soil appropriate for gardening but it9s not hard to
make it so. Here are some inexpensive
and chemical-free ways to nourish the
earth so it can nourish you.
1. Compost Is Number One
Nothing is easier than composting and
you don9t need a big space to do it.
Collect all your fruit and vegetable trimmings (including skins, seeds, and pits),
used matches, egg shells, tea bags,
brown and newspaper and toss them together in one place.
Whether in a bin or a pile, it9s easy to find
specifics on composting practices that
suit your space and lifestyle.
However, there are a few things you
should keep out of your pile. For one,
keep out large twigs as they take longer
to decompose and will make turning the
compost a challenge. Yard clippings can
be similarly problematic because grass is
very hardy and can take over the compost.
Also avoid cooked food, meat, bones,
dairy, and starches.
Turn the compost once a week or so
throughout the year and keep it moist
(not wet). You9ll have nutritious soil in no
time!
2. Earthworms
These slippery wriggly creatures enrich the
soil by breaking down organic matter to
make it easier for plants to use. Plus, their
waste is a good fertilizer.
They also aerate the soil, allowing air and
moisture flow. Hence, worms are a sign of
a healthy garden.
If starting a new garden bed, you can
catch some around the yard and place
them where you want them. If not, you
can probably find a local farm that will
sell you some.
Place the worms in the garden bed or in
the compost bin to speed decomposition.
3. Leaf Mold
