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nce the snow has gone, many Canadians race outside and into the garden. Respect for natural cycles can simplify gardening chores and ensure a healthy harvest.
Garden nutrition
Culinary discards and lawn clutter offer natural nutrition for plants. Composting converts organic produce scraps, tea bags and chopped leaves, into nutrient rich humus and reduces household waste by about one-third. Coffee grounds and crushed egg shells, both rich in calcium, magnesium and nitrogen, naturally fertilise soil. Dampf cautions, “Keep fertiliser out of the compost bin. Add special compost worms, not earthworms, to assist bacteria with decomposition.” Exclude meat, fats and dairy to avoid attracting rodents, and pet waste, that can carry pathogens. compost.org
Cultivating soil and adding earthworms promotes aeration. Let soil rest prior to planting. Sterilised soil is recommended for container gardens.
Hydrate out- and indoor plants with water from cooking veggies, boiling eggs (cooled), rinsing sprouting seeds or with water from a watering can with egg shells soaked for several days.
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Savvy seed starter
Nurture the next generation of little eco-heroes by involving children when starting plants from seed indoors. Keep the bottom of egg shells intact; rinse, carefully make a drainage hole with a pushpin and return to carton. Fill each shell with soil and a few seeds. Keep moist in a warm, draft-free place. Once seedlings are big enough, plant them – shells and all. altuse.com
Minimize maintenance
Spread mulch, discarded pesticide-free lawn clutter, clippings, weeds or straw at the base of plants in late fall or early spring to prevent erosion and inhibit weed growth. “Leave mulch on top of the soil (turn completely decomposed mulch or compost material into soil), typically wood chips, anything organic that prevents evaporation and insulates roots,” suggests Dampf. “A 3" mulch depth reduces the need to water by up to 70%. Avoid fallen leaves, they harbour fungus and viral infections except for wild or native gardens to replicate natural forest conditions.”
A good foundation, natural nutrition, muscle, patience and planning are best done before a single seed germinates. For more tips: personalgardens.com H&L
 @EcotownCrier  Cynthia Liedke |
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