Spring is here. The bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming and the garden is growing. Spring is a very busy time in the garden.
I am currently applying SeaSol Super wetting agent to all of my raised beds and pot plants, together with digging in cow poo and then topping with mulch in readiness for the hotter days.
I follow this routine twice a year in the hope that I will eventually get my own good soil. My soil is hydrophobic.
Hydrophobic soil causes water to collect on the soil surface rather than infiltrate into the ground.
For some gardeners, soil wetters have earned a bad rap, copping the blame for killing plants, destroying micro-organisms, and even making the soil more hydrophobic.
There's an element of truth in this, but the thing to bear in mind is that not all wetting agents are created equal.
There's no doubt they help water penetrate into hydrophobic soils. But they are a short-term fix only.
The best long-term solution to most soil woes is to add organic matter, and the best sources of organic matter are composts, manures and plant residues (green manure).
So, I currently continue to use a seaweed soil wetter with manure and compost.
I also use a combination of planting directly into the ground and using raised beds and pots.
The advantage of raised beds and pot is that they are easier to get the soil right.
This year I am planting individual tomato plants into pots. I also plant flowers and vegetables together so that pollination is more successful.
As you can see in the photograph, I have been enjoying fresh peas and I have a continual crop of radish.
Radish is a fast grower, so I have small crops placed in various areas at different stages of growth.
I eat the roots and the chooks enjoy the leaves, it's a win-win.
Anyway, I can't talk for long, there's a lot to prepare for a good Spring/Summer harvest.
When I'm finished with the garden beds I will check on my bees. They're getting ready to be moved into a big hive.
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