A Good Garden With a Lot Less Work
(Page 2 of 7)
March/April 1970
By the Mother Earth News editors
First, we are living in an exciting, revolutionary era - not the least important is the revolution that is taking place in agriculture - particularly in soil conservation. Louis Bromfield summarizes it thus: "The American farmer has largely worked against Nature. Our new agriculture will be based on the principle of working with Nature".
RELATED CONTENT
Probably you've read reviews of Edward Faulkner's startling book Plowman's Folly. If you haven't read it, do by all means. Briefly, from the Homesteader's standpoint, the implications of Faulkner's theory mean that by more natural care of garden soil - the incorporation of humus and manure into the top soil instead of plowing it ten inches underground - phenomenally more productive crops can be grown. Moreover, these healthy crops need less cultivating, watering (and stand up against attack by disease and insects.) In short, better gardens with a lot less work!
Of course, Mr. Faulkner's theories are not entirely proven as yet nor are they entirely new. Many government, state and independent agriculturists have been experimenting along the same lines for a long time. However, his ideas are stimulating and we think you'll profit by reading about them.
Then, too, the new plant hormones and insecticides are evidently going to make gardening more scientific.
SEVEN FUNDAMENTALS
1. Get Your Soil in Shape
Almost any soil can be made to produce lavishly. But poor soil takes money and time - perhaps hundreds of dollars and years - to put in first-rate shape. For this reason before you buy a place it's a good plan to have soil analyzed; check for hardpan, excessive sand or clay condition.
Even if your soil looks good - have it analyzed. You may buy a soil test kit - they sell for as little as $2.00. Or you can send it to your State Agricultural Experiment Station for a free analysis. For the address, ask your local paper or seed store.
Organic substance is the primary means of building good soil. The best source for this substance is barnyard manure. Goat manure is excellent. So, too, is cow manure. Poultry manure is extremely rich in nitrogen. Barnyard manure is usually difficult to obtain - but you will have plenty if you carry out the well-rounded livestock operation suggested in this Plan.
Barnyard manure increases the ability of the soil to hold moisture, keeps the soil loose and promotes root development. The best way to handle manure so it won't lose its value is to compost it as shown in the accompanying diagram. Ideally each year a plot 30 x 60 feet should receive a ton of stable manure.
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