by Laurie Cohen
an Diego is a reclaimed paradise. We can see
that when we travel to undeveloped parts of town and look at the native
soil often a hard red clay or a mass of river rock and decomposing granite.
It is a challenge for most of us gardeners to build the soil to the exact
needs of our chosen garden plants. It often requires a scientific mix of
humus, sand and organic matter. What the typical organic gardener needs
to amend their garden with often depends on the condition of the original
soil.
Often, when homes were built, the developers
cleared away the native topsoil to level the sites for construction. What
is left is a subsoil of limited capacity, but with good potential. When
plants are grown in that soil, without amendment, the results are often
discouraging. Amending our garden soil is a national pastime. Many places
sell soil amendments to help the gardener grow the best crop they can.
When we look at nature, we notice the constant
supply of dead, decomposing material littering the ground. This is the way
the soil is constantly replenished. The composting of leaves and grass and
non-animal kitchen wastes in our gardens results in the most useful organic
material that can be added to our soil. The needs for other amendments vary,
but can be determined by soil testing. Organic content is the most important
feature. Research shows that compost can be the single most effective soil
additive for strong growth and disease resistance.
Organic compost is sold by the bag or truckload
from reputable suppliers if you cannot make enough of your own. If you purchase
large amounts of soil amendment make sure you receive a list of ingredients.
Some suppliers may try to sell useless amendments that have no value in
our gardens.
Do you or your neighbors bag the grass from
mowing the lawn, and rake the leaves and trimmings just to bag and throw
them away, too? How many times a year is it necessary to use fertilizer
to keep the lawn and shrubs healthy and green? The secret of a well-nurtured
organic yard and garden is to let the natural process of decomposition take
place. Leave some of the grass cuttings on the lawn for added nitrogen and
compost the rest with the leaves to make your own soil amendment. You may
find the reduced costs for fertilizers a pleasant surprise. Compost is not
a cure all for everything you grow, and the careful use of an organic fertilizer
may be necessary, but it is the basic building block of the best soil you
will ever have.
There are many good books and periodicals available
to home gardeners describing the particulars of building good soil. Testing
the soil for basic nutrient needs can initially be expensive, but it is
invaluable for determining soil deficiencies if there is a growth problem.
Joining an organic gardening club can put you in touch with other gardeners
and from them you can get regional advice for your garden problems, as well
as share in your successes. Good gardening!
Laurie teaches free organic gardening classes from her Clairemont backyard and is forming the Clairemont Organic Gardener's Club. Call her at 270-1490, or e-mail her at i.karma
worldnet.att.net.
