Nurturing the earth

Like most things in life, there are many ways to approach growing food. My way is to partner with nature.

Rather than sterilizing the soil and wiping out all life in the garden, I choose to feed the soil and encourage the beneficial organisms.

I feed the soil with rich compost, mineral powders, and natural fertilizers like seed meals and fish emulsion.

Mulch on the beds prevents erosion and gives the earthworms a comfortable place to live.

I only till when I need to prepare a seedbed. Too much mixing of the soil destroys the structure that the biosystem requires to function properly.

When weeds cause problems, I deal with them the old fashoned way, with my hoe.

Instead of wiping out all insect life, I try to encourage predatory insects and birds who feed upon the nuisance bugs.

I find that healthy plants, grown in a healthy ecosystem are much less susceptible to diseases and infestations.

Healthy plants, it seems to me, must be more nutritious and tasty.

Others choose different paths, it is not my business to challenge or criticize. This is just the way that I choose. I dont want to be a fanatic, or an evangelist for any method.

I am just building healthy soil, to grow healthy plants, to feed healthy people. It makes me feel better.