Time to plant
Organic matter: The garden champion
By Jonathan van Wiltenburg
Organic matter, or humus, is the champion of the garden. In the natural environment, organic matter is found in the top layer of the soil, and is created when former living materials fall onto the soil surface and are broken down by a complex web of animals and microorganisms. It is what gives soil the dark complexion that is synonymous with highly fertile land.
Organic matter has only advantageous effects on soil and plant health. It will increase the water holding capacity and percolation of your soil. Think of it like a rung out sponge. It holds water and keeps things moist, yet still provides needed air space. Organic matter not only supplies the nutrients themselves, but also increases the surface area that roots can absorb from. Organic matter increases the amount of air space in the soil structure, buffers changes in pH, neutralize toxins, and keep the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is an amazing asset for gardens.
So how do you get the magical matter? The answer is through composting. It is the backbone of holistic gardening, and a must if growing organically. As gardeners there are some basic things to think about to have successful compost. Below are some composting tips.
- When putting debris in the bin, layer your debris with soil. Avoid putting large amounts of one type of debris. Variety brings better results.
- Anything that was once alive can be composted. But some material will attract vermin including rats, raccoons, or bears.
- If you plan on using your compost next year avoid woody debris. This will break down over time, but it won't be ready for your garden next spring. Place it in a different pile that can be used even later.
- Compost needs to breathe. Turn it over frequently, and add layers of straw or crumpled newspaper to increase the available air. Also ensure your bin has air vents on the outer walls.
- Your pile needs to be moist but not soggy. Soggy compost is stinky compost. Avoid this by covering it during the rainy winter months.
- The warmer the weather the faster it decomposes.
- If you are unhappy with the rate of decomposition, add materials high in nitrogen. Some bear-neutral options are manure (especially chicken), feather meal, coffee grounds, seed meals, or urine.
If you have any more questions about composting or other plant/garden related questions email me at edenhort@gmail.com.
Top Priorities for April
If you have not already done so, begin turning over the garden. Mix in old compost from last year. Try not to compact the newly turned soil.
Feed your fruit trees, berries, and other trees and shrubs. Use an appropriate fertilizer for the species.
In you have not done so, prune back your and hydrangeas, buddleja, fuchsia, perovskia, and other plants that flower on present year wood. Also prune the shrubs that have already finished flowering: winter jasmine, forsythia, witch-hazel, kerria, heather, etc.
April is for lawn maintenance. If you plan on seeding, aerating or topdressing, now is the best time.
Set out your mason bee houses and larvae. Watch them pollinate your fruit trees and berries.
Sow your vegetable and flower seed. Sow squash lettuce, beets, spinach, greens, carrots, parsnips, chard, celery, early potatoes, leek, onion, and summer flowering annuals.
Hold off on putting anything outside that cannot handle a potential frost (beans, tomatoes, squash, etc.)
Harvest your early crop of rhubarb and possibly your asparagus.
Jonathan van Wiltenburg has a degree in horticulture and runs Eden Horticulture Services.
