*By Cindy Dixon

Agriscaping teaches the 3 steps to garden success: Healthy Soil – Healthy Seeds/Starts – Healthy Routines. It’s as easy as ABC!

A

Always, always start with healthy soil:

There’s more to soil than meets the eye! Soil holds and supports plants while providing the moisture and nutrients needed to grow into viable, nutrient-rich crops. The quality of food we harvest from our garden relates directly to the quality and health of the soil. In fact, more than 70% of garden problems are related to soil issues. It has been stated, “If you have $100 to spend on your garden, spend the majority of it on soil.”

The question is, “What is healthy soil?” Healthy soil is a dark, crumbly sweet- smelling medium teeming with life, where millions of microorganisms convert minerals and chemicals into substances plants can use to grow. Think of the analogy of chocolate cake! To make healthy soil, add organic matter which allows the microorganisms to thrive; thus, creating nutrient-enriched soil. Compost, leaf mold, composted manures, plant/kitchen scraps, and cover crops are just a few ways to add much-needed organic matter to your soil.

Crop rotation is another method to help keep your soil from becoming nutrient deficient. Agriscaping offers a simple way to remember the crop rotation sequence:
Root – Fruit – Bean - Green

If you become a soil gardener first, the thriving plants will follow. Think of plants as the antennae of the soil. Your plants are only as healthy and nutritious as the soil they are planted in. Healthy Soil – Healthy Plants – Healthy People Don’t treat your soil like dirt!!

B

Be sure you have healthy seeds/starts (seedlings)!

Once you have your soil in shape, it’s time to plant seeds or transplant those starts/seedlings into your garden. There are advantages/disadvantages to seeds vs. starts (seedlings). There is no acclimation period when planting seeds since they will be growing in the intended environment from day one. Sowing seeds delays the instant gratification you get from planting starts. However, more often than not, the wait is well worth it! There are myriads of options to choose from if you decide to grow from seeds. Look for high-quality organic seeds such as heirloom, native seeds, and open-pollinated, to name a few. You might want to check our local seed banks in your area as well.

Sow, let’s get started and seed what happens!

Many like to start their garden with seedlings, especially once the new crops begin appearing in the nurseries and home improvement centers. One of the downsides of this method is your selection is limited to what’s in stock at these retail outlets. Make sure when selecting your new garden plants you check for the overall health of the plant above ground and below ground. You don’t want to bring any potential problems into your new garden. For edible plants, be sure they have been grown organically. Commercial growers are becoming more aware of the growing demands for organic products; thus, they are working hard to provide those needs. Planting new seedlings in your garden definitely gives you a sense of accomplishment since you see your garden shape up on the spot.

C

Create a daily routine for your garden.

A daily routine for your garden is beneficial, efficient, and healthy for you and your plants. Being out in your garden every day helps you see potential problems before they get out of hand. For many, beginning the day in the garden is a perfect way to start the day. Conversely, others like to spend their evenings in the garden to distress or wind down from the day. No matter when you spend time in your garden, enjoy all the wonders nature has to offer you. Your garden should be a place of fun, relaxation, and wonder, so why not make it a part of your daily life? Your mind-body-soul will thank you!

To learn more about starting a spring garden, join our free webinar on February 17th at 6:00 pm MST. Learn more and register by clicking here!

To find out what webinars or live classes are available for free click here!