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Why Use Organic Soil Amendments

by Julie Sedwick                                       

 Not all soil is rich enough in nutrients to maintain the growth of healthy plants and vegetables. The structure of the soil is very important in that it determines whether the soil is adequate enough to allow proper air and water capacity. If the soil is not structurally sound enough then there will not be enough air and/or water to maintain proper vegetation. In other cases the structure of the soil may not allow for proper drainage of water and thus still be harmful to the growth of vegetation. Almost all soil can be fixed structurally. Given the right amount of nutrients, with the help of   organic soil amendments. Improvements to the soil help not only with corrections but help to break clay apart thus allowing for more fit soil for planting. When added to areas with a good deal of sand the corrections will help to aid in air and water capacities. This concept is the same in dry desert areas as the aid in air and water capacities allows for vegetation to grow in areas that without the amendments would otherwise be uselesshen the soil is dry or structurally unfit but also in areas with high amounts of clay or sand. The soil  for planting. The types of organic soil amendments that can be used are compost, peat and manure. Each one of these organic materials has its own pros and cons and the decision is really more on individual needs and budget when deciding which one to use. 

For a closer look at soil amendments check out: Soil Elements and Amendments

JulieSedwick.com e-mail: jas@juliesedwick.com 

Now is the perfect time to plan your garden. All the new garden catalogs are coming out and a new growing season is right around the corner. Either make a new garden plan or improve on one you already have, start by getting out a piece of paper and, drawing out the shape and dimensions of your available area. Then with your new catalogs in tow, start to think about available light and moisture and which plants will grow in the area. After you know which plants grow well in your area and climate, it's time to think of colors and size. Create area's of interest, borders, walls, and focal points. Mix and match, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and shrubs. Take your time and have fun!

The White Squirrel

Just wanted to share with  you a white squirrel that

 visits my mothers yard everyday.

Send  your favorite garden photos

to : jas@juliesedwick.com

photo by: Darrell Freeman , MO

Time to Start Those Tomato Plants

 Growing tomato's can be fun and rewarding. They grow just about anywhere as long as there is ample sunshine. Tomato plants require at a minimum of 6 hours of sun a day,(some will argue, even more) so when you are deciding on where in your garden you want to place them you need to make sure they will receive plenty of sunshine. Tomato's also do real well in container gardening but, you have to make sure the size of the container will accommodate the type of tomato plant you put in it.  You can start them from seed indoors or just go to your favorite garden center and buy young plants. When planning your tomato bed, consider that you need to place plants approximately, 2 to 3 foot apart and leave row spacing at about 4 foot. This will leave a convienent walk space down your garden row for pruning and picking. Be creative and sculpt your garden to be pleasant to the eyes and the nose with placement of aromatic yet useful companion plants like  basil, marigold, catnip, or garlic for  protection from nasty pests. For nutrients, try planting, carrots, onions, or asparagus along side your tomato's. Place them within 15 to 20 inches from the base of the young plant. Have fun with it, mix and match your companion plants using the charts on this site.