1. Build Raised Beds for Better Control
Raised beds offer excellent control over your soil quality and drainage, especially if your native soil isn’t ideal for gardening. You can fill them with nutrient-rich, organic soil and compost, ensuring your plants have the best foundation for growth.
2. Make Your Own Compost Tea
Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid made by steeping compost in water. It’s a great natural fertilizer for your plants, providing them with essential nutrients and beneficial microbes that help boost soil health and disease resistance.
3. Plant Cover Crops in the Off-Season
Cover crops like clover, rye, or buckwheat help protect and improve soil during the off-season. These plants prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil when tilled under before planting in the next growing season.
4. Embrace Diversity
Plant a variety of crops in your garden to promote a healthy ecosystem. This diversity helps break pest cycles, improves soil fertility, and attracts different beneficial insects. A mixed garden is also more resilient to pests and diseases than a monoculture.
5. Use Organic Pest Barriers
Prevent pests naturally by using physical barriers like row covers, fine mesh, or netting. These help keep insects and birds away from your plants without the need for chemicals. You can also use copper tape or barriers around the base of plants to deter slugs and snails.
6. Harvest Rainwater
Collecting rainwater in barrels is an eco-friendly way to water your garden. Rainwater is naturally soft and free from the chemicals found in tap water, which is better for your plants. Use a rain barrel connected to your gutters to collect and store water during the rainy season.
7. Plant Perennials
Incorporate perennials like herbs, berries, or flowers into your garden. These plants require less maintenance once established, conserve resources, and often attract pollinators. Perennials also help reduce soil disturbance, maintaining its structure and health.
This review was sponsored in part by @new-way