How to Keep a Garden Happy A successful garden begins with the soil. Get it tested, and proceed with a sharp shovel. A little prayer also helps. I am a believer in kitchen compost, shredded leaves, aged sawdust, a sprinkling of lime and my favorite: shredded horse manure. Horse manure is “hotter,” so not much is needed. Because of the low-lying area of my garden, I rake the soil into 4-inch-high hills that are two feet wide. This way, watering can be controlled, and you have easy access for weeding during the growing season. I put a healthy layer of wheat straw on the paths. The straw will eventually disintegrate and can be tilled into the soil in the fall. It is important to rotate your crops. Planting the same veggies in the same spot year after year will deplete the worth of the soil, no matter how much compost you use. A garden should be a happy place, so include flowers in the garden. Be creative. Use old wooden stepladders as supports for climbers, construct a teepee out of laurel, place a chair smack in the middle of your garden. Sit back and enjoy. Most importantly, read Carolina Country’s “Hank’s Gardening Guide.” Karen Gilfillan |
||
