Organic Soil Prep

In the fall you might think your done for the year and now that the harvest is over you can relax. Wrong! Fall is a very important time to get ready for next years garden.

First, you need to plow under any remaining plant and add a good amount of manure. One pound per square foot is a good start. Note: If you live in an area with heavy winter rains it might be better to add manure in early spring.

Second, till in any nutrients your garden is lacking like bone meal or wood ash. Soil improvement involves a steady ongoing process like a compost pile, mulch, manure, and any other needs.

Your soil always needs-Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium as well as: Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Iron, Boron, Manganese, Chlorine, Copper, Zinc, Molybdenum, and Carbon just to name a few.

Note: To improve clay soil add gypsum or fresh green manure.

Mulch

This can be a multitude of materials, humus, hay, straw, moss, leaves, or any similar materials. Mulch can encourage worm production which is a must, and it will also condition the soil.

Manure

This will add Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Blood, Fish scraps, Bone meal will also help.

Wood ash

This will add alkalinity and calcium as well as phosphorus and potassium.

Sawdust

This will add acidity, boron, and zinc.

Leaves

This will add acidity as well as nitrogen, calcium, boron, magnesium, and zinc.



Basic Soil Formula in the fall.

1 Pound of manure per sq foot.

¼ pound of leaves per sq foot.

5 pounds of wood ash per sq foot.

1 pound of sawdust per 100 sq feet.

1 pound of compost per sq foot.

Hay or straw can also be added at this time 1 to 2 inches over the area and let it sit until the spring.

The best way is to let Mother Natures helpers do the work for you during the off-season. You will spread organic matter on your garden, allow chickens and animals to browse on your garden, or add manure and wood ash as well as leaves, compost, grass clipping, and any other trimmings. Let this sit on your garden area until spring.

After the winter has settled the soil, till in at 6-12 inches deep and recheck nutrients with a soil test kit.

If you still need nutrients at this time add very carefully a small amount or you can make a fast supplement by mixing 1 handful of an organic nitrogen source, 1 handful of an organic phosphorus source, and 2 handfuls of an organic potassium source, with 2 gallons of water. Let this sit for 24 hours and mix two to three times.

This will be adequate for about 2400 sq foot of garden space. Just spray or add this nutrient broth to your garden with your regular watering cycle.

Note: You can also do the same for adjusting your ph as well but, only before your planting is started.

re-posted by: www.pioneerliving.net