Soil building 3.15.12
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Amanda Vanhoozier
Transcript of Soil building 3.15.12
Amanda Vanhoozier
Soil is Alive – organism, microbes, bacteria, fungiOrganic matter presentTilth – Loose and good drainageForest Floor smell
Sustainable- Continues to get better/not depletedGrows healthy plants – less disease, less pestsPlants can endure weather changes.
Full of microbes – Soil Food Web
Tilth
Adds food for living organisms needed for healthy soilAdds a diversity of living organismsIn turn, makes nutrients available to the plants
naturally.NO USE of CHEMICALS- pollution in storm water run-
offIncrease moisture holding spaces in soil- clay swell/sealReduces evaporationImpoves soil structureHelps maintain moderate soil temperature
Vision how your community would benefit? Who would benefit? Why have a community garden?
Make the case solid- Start of a Vision/Mission and create opportunities along the way to manifest it.
Benefits of MulchProtects SoilHolds more moisture- less evaporationKeeps soil temperatures even Reduces weed germinationFeeds the soil
Lawn- ¼ to 1/2 inch on topVegetable Garden – ½ inch on top
Raised- 2x8 boards (cedar lasts longer), galv. Metal, concrete blocks
Lay down layers of cardboard, Fill with compost.
Layer of compost – ½ inchGently break up with garden forkAdd soil amendments such as organic
fertilizers/drench
Soil and Plant Lab – www.texasplantandsoillab.com www.soilfoodweb.org Soil Food Web Soil Biology PrimerCoppell Community Garden
www.coppellcommunitygarden.org
