Well, it's not that big! I have worms the same size, and I don't import them from Kentucky... As other European organic farmers do. I expect you to read my latest post, maybe you'll be interested!
What type of fertilizer do you use on your garden? We have good soil, and have added compost, but there is certainly more we could be doing to increase our yield.
I will check out your posts - I've been ridiculously busy the last few days. Looking forward to a day off. I have planting to do!
How many crops do you have per year? Compost I use rarely, because I don't have enough. Manure not more then once in 3 years, or maybe 2 at some plants. I make my own fertilizer out of nettles. It has amazing results in growth and protection of plants. It fortifies against some diseases the plants and it is never too much. The list of helping plants is huge, but I only use some because I never saw the need to use all. If you have nettles I can give you the recipe and the ways to use it. There are some rules. Besides nettles I use on large scale tansy, horsetail, wormwood from which I make products and I always plant near vegetables marigold and tagetes. And of course, having a layer of mulch is a must. But not when you have rodents or too much water.
Thanks Adrian! Lots of good info there. I would love to have the nettle recipe. We have access to a lot nettles near here (though our own yard is quite dry). I'm sure nobody would mind if we stopped by the side of the road to harvest a few nettles. Heh.
I'm careful about crop rotation - not planting things in the same place as last year. And without even thinking about it or trying, I realize my rows do trend N-S. We are very lucky, as our yard has good southern exposure.
How many crops? Hmmmm, quite a few, in small doses! Today I planted nine different things - several types of lettuce greens, basil, cilantro, turnips, parsley... and I've planted potatoes and onions (sweet and green). As it gets warmer we'll be planting our broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, beans,zucchini, cucumbers... maybe some eggplants, too.
I'm being a bit optimistic about the weather - there is a chance of it getting cold again, but not much. I've checked otu the long-range forecast, and it's for above average temps...
You will need a barrel or something like that. It can be a big one because you can use the product for 2-3 months. After harvesting the nettles you chop/cut them in 10cm long pieces. You fill the recipient about 70% of its size. Pour water, enough to cover the plants but leave a space of about 15cm to the edge of the barrel. Everyday you will have to mix 5 times or more that composition. Down to the bottom. After 2,3 days a foam will form. In this period you can use it against plant lice in a 5% solution. The base product will be ready in 10-15 days. The recipient should stay in the sun, but with a cover on the top that leaves a little space so that air can enter. I put sticks on the barrel and on those the cap with a weight on it. When the fermentation is finished move the recipient in the shade. Leave the cap on, but tight this time. How you use it: when pouring on the plants only in a 5% solution, when wetting the roots 10% solution. On trees, bushes 20%. But on the roots. Don't pour on plants when they have flowers, or if you do that avoid the flowers. Use it on any plants you have, it has no side effects.
My Opera
Adrianadrianmircea # Thursday, March 4, 2010 11:33:01 AM
I expect you to read my latest post, maybe you'll be interested!
Annelibrarianguish # Friday, March 5, 2010 6:34:00 AM
What type of fertilizer do you use on your garden? We have good soil, and have added compost, but there is certainly more we could be doing to increase our yield.
I will check out your posts - I've been ridiculously busy the last few days. Looking forward to a day off. I have planting to do!
Adrianadrianmircea # Friday, March 5, 2010 8:51:18 AM
Compost I use rarely, because I don't have enough. Manure not more then once in 3 years, or maybe 2 at some plants. I make my own fertilizer out of nettles. It has amazing results in growth and protection of plants. It fortifies against some diseases the plants and it is never too much. The list of helping plants is huge, but I only use some because I never saw the need to use all. If you have nettles I can give you the recipe and the ways to use it. There are some rules.
Besides nettles I use on large scale tansy, horsetail, wormwood from which I make products and I always plant near vegetables marigold and tagetes. And of course, having a layer of mulch is a must. But not when you have rodents or too much water.
Adrianadrianmircea # Friday, March 5, 2010 8:54:36 AM
Annelibrarianguish # Saturday, March 6, 2010 6:02:23 AM
I'm careful about crop rotation - not planting things in the same place as last year. And without even thinking about it or trying, I realize my rows do trend N-S. We are very lucky, as our yard has good southern exposure.
How many crops? Hmmmm, quite a few, in small doses! Today I planted nine different things - several types of lettuce greens, basil, cilantro, turnips, parsley... and I've planted potatoes and onions (sweet and green). As it gets warmer we'll be planting our broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, beans,zucchini, cucumbers... maybe some eggplants, too.
I'm being a bit optimistic about the weather - there is a chance of it getting cold again, but not much. I've checked otu the long-range forecast, and it's for above average temps...
Adrianadrianmircea # Saturday, March 6, 2010 8:00:43 AM
How you use it: when pouring on the plants only in a 5% solution, when wetting the roots 10% solution. On trees, bushes 20%. But on the roots. Don't pour on plants when they have flowers, or if you do that avoid the flowers. Use it on any plants you have, it has no side effects.
Annelibrarianguish # Sunday, March 7, 2010 5:16:40 PM
Adrianadrianmircea # Friday, April 16, 2010 10:35:25 PM
Annelibrarianguish # Saturday, April 17, 2010 1:55:47 AM