Healthy soil is key to effective organic gardening. Your soil should be well aerated and composted to maximize the health of your plants. Don’t use chemical fertilizers, since the excess nitrogen can contaminate the local water supply and kill off marine life. Consider organic fertilizers instead.
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Yes, I agree, healthy soil is key. I’ve gardened organically for many years now and wouldn’t garden any other way.
I started some raised beds on top of soil that was once an auto storage lot. It was vacant for about two years and had 5 or 6 inches of gravel with about 3 inches of soil and some organic matter on top. There weren’t many earthworms in the beginning. After about one year I had healthy flower beds and was able to start a very productive vermicomposting box directly on top of the ground. 13 years have gone by and many happy days of garden too.
Please help! My father-in-law thought he was helping me out by covering my vegetable garden with something called preen, I think it is a pre-emergent. I have been adamant in the past that no chemicals are used on the lawn and in the garden. (well water, small kids, pets, etc). What can I do? The soil has been treated and now I am afraid to plant produce, not to mention, I am worried that we will contribute to the contamination of the water supply – our runoff goes to trout stocked water. My father-in-law’s argument was that some of our neighbors use tru-green. Any suggestions for righting the wrong – or perhaps, am I being overly sensitive and concerned?
Here’s what the Preen web site says about it:
http://www.preen.com/newpreen/prdpreen/faq.jsp?catid=5&pid=1#cat5
Can Preen Garden Weed Preventer be used around strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries?
This product has not been officially tested with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Therefore, the EPA has not registered it for use with these fruits.
Can I use Preen Garden Weed Preventer on fruit bearing trees?
Preen Garden Weed Preventer is not registered for use on fruit and nut bearing trees.
Can I use Preen Preen Garden Weed Preventer with lettuce, beets, spinach, or sweet corn?
Do not use Preen Garden Weed Preventer on lettuce, spinach, beets, or sweet corn.
Here is what Howard Garrett, an organic specialist, says about cleaning up soil.
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=144