Dr. Elaine Ingham and the Soil Food Web School promote a number of controversial topics in soil management and in this post I would like to have a closer look at a number of these.
This is a hot gardening topic these days, and many organic gardeners are promoting the idea that you should add molasses to your compost pile, to compost tea, or even spray plants with it. In tea and on soil, it makes microbes grow, and on plants, it can prevent pests.
Molasses: Should you eat it or use it in the garden?
Peppers come in many colors; green, yellow, orange, red and even purple, but when is the best time to pick them? Will they ripen after you harvest them? If they ripen indoors are they as good as vine ripened ones? Let’s have a close look.
The company Neoplants has been in the news a lot lately because they promoted a new genetically engineered houseplant that is claimed to clean the air in your home. In their Neo Px white paper they say, “we created a bioengineered plant system that can effectively fight air pollution”.
What is the true story?
Are weeds good indicator plants? Does the presence of a particular weeds tell you something about your soil? There are many claims online that you can tell the pH of your soil by checking the weeds. Some claim that weeds indicate an imbalance in the ratio of bacteria to fungi, and other claim they can be used to detect nutrient deficiencies. Let’s separate myth from fact.
Over fertilization with either synthetic and organic material can result in toxic soil that no longer supports plant growth. This is a common problem in raised beds that are filled with too much organic matter but it can occur in any garden. Today I’ll have a look at both the cause of high phosphorus in soil and ways that you can use to reduce the level.
As gardeners we think that our hobby is good for the environment but a new study finds that it is more harmful to the environment than conventional agriculture. If we follow the science, it would be better for climate change if we stop growing our own food.
Now that sounds crazy! You are trying to get rid of slugs and snails and now some people are suggesting you feed them with bread dough? This sounds like another DIY garden myth, but it’s not. In this case, it is a simple solution that has been scientifically tested and proven to work.
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Some gardeners must hate ants because they are constantly talking about natural ways to get rid of them in the garden. If you thought home remedies are popular for things like slugs or weeds, it doesn’t compare to the number of solutions available for getting rid of ants naturally.
A lot of research has been done on fire ants, and for good reason. They bite and sting and their sting is painful.
What does the science tell us about controlling ants outside? Let’s have a closer look at natural home remedies for getting rid of ants.
Some types of Miracle-Gro fertilizer are a blue color due to the addition of copper sulfate. But copper sulfate is toxic to microbes and fungi. Several online sites and videos are now claiming that it makes the fertilizer toxic and should never be used because it kills soil microbes. Are they right?
Garlic crops are now at risk from the destructive leek moth, a pest known for causing significant damage and reducing yields. If you’re noticing holes in your garlic leaves or frass (insect excrement), you might be dealing with this moth. It’s crucial to identify and prevent these pests early on to ensure a healthy and bountiful garlic harvest.
The leek moth also attacks onions and leeks and the information in this post also applies to these crops.
Roundup is a household name in gardening and farming communities. Initially known for its glyphosate-based formula, it has evolved into a product line with various formulations. This article provides an overview of different Roundup products, with a focus on the new vinegar-based Roundup and its possible use in organic gardening.
