Another Wednesday is upon us... and I truly hope that everyone reading this is looking forward to the coming years growing season. Today I chose to continue the theme of preparation. My goal here is to post tips that will help you to get ahead, and to perhaps look at your garden a little differently. Being that my degree is actually in ecology, I look at every garden - however large or small - as a system. My tip for today has to do with pests like flea and harlequin beetles (and so many others) that can persist in the soil through the winter chill. Take a look at your garden. Did you have problems with soil borne pests last year? If you did, and there is leaf litter covering the surface of the soil, its a good idea to remove it. Though leaf litter can help condition your soil, its a better choice to amend in the spring from a leaf pile or compost heap. Any plant material on the surface such as dead leaves or weeds that endure the cold create shelter for the very pests I speak of. For example, flea beetle eggs and larvae are laid in the soil surface, which is why it is beneficial during the growing season to use a hand tool or stirrup hoe (my personal favorite garden tool) to gently disturb the soil around the bases of their favorite foods (ie: brassicas and lettuces). So making sure that there is no litter on the soil surface ensures that the full blast of the cold is reaching those little monsters. Message this page with any personalized questions! Dont be shy.. just be sure to address the message to Jo. Or Farmer Jo. Or Your Highness. Cheers and happy new year!
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:53:58 +0000