Ecological Gardening

Lesson 2: The Human Place in Nature

Feeding the Soil

Let's take a closer look at one of the major players in your garden, the earthworm. When you feed the soil, say by adding compost, you encourage earthworms to move in and do their thing. This is a cause for celebration. Earthworms are very desirable tenants. They aerate and feed the soil and help your garden grow. Treat them well and your garden thrives.

There are two actions you can take that will go a long way to guarantee that earthworms want to move into your garden. Mulch and compost and make sure to spread the compost around the garden. Worms will come a-wriggling and bring their extended families along with them. If you avoid chemical inputs you are guaranteed that worms and their offspring will stay and work with the other underground denizens of your garden to create a soil that will give you the very best food and flowers.

Seed saving is where you can begin to move your table closer to the field and to improve you and your family's food security. If you are a new gardener or haven't been able to save any seeds this year, you will want to think about using heritage seeds. The use of heritage or heirloom seeds has certain advantages, especially when you are seeking self-sufficiency.

Suggested reading:

Chapters 4 and 5, Gaia’s Garden

Soil testing +

Soilfoodweb

If you have time, read the article on compost teas. It contains an excellent glossary. If you can’t read it now, bookmark and return when you have the time.

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