gardening organically

8/12/2019 Gardening Organically

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Gardening Organically

Catherine Wissner

W oo erative Extension

Laramie County


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Growing Season in Cheyenne .2002 severe drought.

2004 had a cool, long summer.2005 had hot da s cool ni hts.

2006 was very hot to cool.

2007 frost on June 8 & September 24.Average highs:

May 65

June 74July 84

Sept. 73


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Buying Plants

. Pot or root bound. . Compact size.

Check the underside of the leaf.


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Watering.

Infrequent.

each week.

se a sma can o

measure wateringamoun .

Be Consistent.


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Soil - the Basics

Work only when dry to

.

Add organic matter. Good drainage is a must.

HEALTHY PLANT


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Soil

Soil aeration Pesticides

Compost Soil erosionFertilizer Monoculture

Balanced irrigation Fertilizer

Mulching Excess tillage


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Salt Index of Fertilizers


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Soil Microorganisms

Microor anisms are found in lar e numbers in

soil. Plaster (1992) estimates that one teaspoon of

a ert e so a out one m . conta ns:

50 nematodes , a gae

72,000 protozoa

, 2,920,000 actinomycetes

, ,


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Soil Microorganism . Release nutrients.

.

Almost every chemical

involves active contributions from.

Play an active role in soil fertil ity

.


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Soil Microorganism

stay in cover crops and compost.

o s wou ose e r poros y anwater holding capacity, soil erosionwou ncrease.


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Soil Microorganism Some produce compounds that stimulate the

natural defense mechanisms of the plant.

Improve the plants resistance to pathogens. Termed 'bio-pesticides.

Some soil microorganisms detoxifypesticides before they can control the pest.

using the pesticide as a carbon or energysource and they can grow on it.

http://www.ucc.ie/impact/agri2f.html


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Soil Bacteria

transformers, oxidize or reduce.

se or sa reme a on, na uragrowth hormones, stress relievers,

rea own o pe ro eum ase

products in the soil. Rhizobium,Azobacter,

Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter...


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Mycorrhizae

Live in and around the root zone ofplants, extending far out from the plant'sroots with their own network of thread-

like filaments known as hyphae. vo ve n assoc a on w p an s.

Increase the ability of plants to take up.

Protect associated plants from pests anddiseases.


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Mycorrhizae -

soil conditions.

annot t r ve n con t onswhere soluble fertilizers haveeen use cont nua y or

many years.


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Mycorrhizae

activity on your site.

Use green manures and mulch. Refrain from usin chemical

fertilizers, w/high levels of

phosphorus. e so s are egra e , cons er

adding quality compost.

,commercially-available mycorrhizae.

Agroforestry Net, Inc. P.O. Box 428 Holualoa, Hawaii 96725 USA


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Soil Micro - Macro-organism, ,

exudates act as glue - hold soil.

Together, fungal hyphae and bacteria

may aid in binding soil particles.

Earthworms need organic matter,

aeration, good moisture (notexcessive, not dr , and absence oftoxic chemicals.


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Soil - Dos and Donts

soil, increases aeration, which

crop residues and soil organic.

Resulting in a net loss of organicma er.


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Soil Donts

N V R USV R US Lime (calcium).

Wood ash, fireplace ash, barbeque

ash. Lawn fertilizer in your vegetable

.

Raw or fresh manures.


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Soil and Fertilizersoil and Fertilizers Three major plant nutrients contained in

packaged fertilizers (N.P.K.). Ca , M , Fe , B , Mn and S , which

plants need in lesser amounts.

substances such as organic matter or

.

Most Fertilizers are Salts.


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Soil

clover root system bearing naturally occurring nodules of

Rhizobium

Nitrogen is necessary for many

,formation, fruit set, and fruit size.

,runoff, de-nitrification. Mobile in soil.

o p o . o . .


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Soil -

oxygen chemical units, which

inorganic compounds.

ery so u e an oes no n o

soils. Has a high potential to migrate to

ground water.


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Soil oes no evapora e, n ra es n r es are

likely to remain in water until consumedy p an s or o er organ sms.

Once taken into the body, nitrates areconverted into nitrites.

Can interfere with the oxygen-carryingcapacity of the blood. Babies, youngchildren and older adults most at risk.

The greatest use of nitrates is as a


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Soil


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.


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Urea 46-0-0

Produced through the reaction of ammonia(NH3)and carbon dioxide (CO2) +CO(NH 2) 2.

e area aroun a sso ve urea par c ebecomes a zone of high pH and ammonia.

the free ammonia that has formed.

soil surface. Curtis J. Overdahl, George W. Rehm and Harvey L. Meredith U of M


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Phosphorus P205:

An essential ingredient of all cellprotoplasm.

Important in fruit, flowers, and rootgrowth.

Needs nitrogen to work best, pH of 6-7.

.

Soil moisture and temperature dependent.

ncrease t e so p over t me.


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Soil Phosphorus cont Phosphorus moves very l itt le in the

.

Too much can cause the.

Vegetables typically remove 10-15p s., o ., per acre per year.

Soil will retain excess phosphate for

next years crop. C.W. Basham CSU CES


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Rock Phosphate ,

is available to plants.

material is, the pH and the biologicalactivity of the soil.

It is less effective in soils that are too

alkaline or have a low level of biologicalactivity.

Colloidal phosphate, obtained from rock

phosphate, has similar properties.


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Sulfate of Potashpotassium sulfate, K2SO4otassium sulfate, K2SO4 Low chloride content.

.

Highly soluble, bonus source ofsu ur.

Essential to agricultural crops,vegetables and turf-grassapplications.


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Kelp- ,

than 70 minerals, plant growth

regu a ors, v am ns, ormones,

and enzymes.

rov es a supp y o na ura ychelated nutrients.

- . - .

Work 1 lb. of kelp meal

. .


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Whats in Kelp Analysis of Dry Kelp FeedGrade Aseophyllum NodosumSpecs Provided ByA.M.P.I.(Canada)

Moisture Content 12.93+or-

Total Nitrogen 1%Ascorbic Acid 10.70(mg/100g )Phosphoric Acid 1%

0.27%

Copper ( ppm ) 3.00Mineral Coateat 16.75+or-

.Soluble Potash 4%Pyridoxine B6 +0.03(mg/100g)Crude Fibre 3.70%

.Iron ( ppm ) 102.26Oil Content 5.46+or-0.25%

Fat 5.42%

.Calcium 1.32%Riboflavin B2 0.04(mg/100g)

Phosphorus 0.13%Crude Protein 5.93+or-0.19%Ash 24.71%Carbohydrate 58.93%

.Potassium 2.58%Iodine (mg/kg) 730.00Magnesium 1.00%

.

Alginic Acid ~14.0%VitaminA (IU/100g) +10

.

Sodium 3.80%Fluoride(mg/kg) 22.00Zinc (ppm) 35.40

.


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Coffee Groundsoffee Grounds pH of 6.9.

C:N 20:1.

Add directly to the garden soil, filtertoo.

For composting purposes, considercoffee grounds "green" material similarto grass clippings.

1.5%N, 0%P, .5%K.Bob Smith, WSU Master Gardener Program

Mana er Thurston Count


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Soil Sulfur,enzymes, vitamins, and chlorophyll in

lants and nodule develo ment in

legumes.

produce sulfur deficiencies.

quantities as phosphorus.

soil.


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Soil Sulfur

25# per 1,000 square feet todrop the pH by half a percent.

To much can be toxic to the soil

micro-life. 1 - 4 lbs er 100 s ft. Sulfur sources: ammonium

, , .


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Cottonseed Mealottonseed Meal By-product from the extraction of oil from

.

6 - 2 - 1

ow re ease o nu r en s.

Used as an all-purpose fertilizer for plants that

requ re a ower so p . Potatoes and roses, any acid loving plants.

Use approximately 10 - 15 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.


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Soil Additives - otherscalcium sulfate) willcalcium sulfate) willkeep the soil pH the same.

calcium carbonate)calcium carbonate)will raise the soil pH.

magnesium sulfate)magnesium sulfate)for Magnesium deficiency.Colorado peat moss has a high pH

d blnd s no a renewable resource.


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Peat Moss . . .

In a garden, work 2" of peat into the topo so .

Aerates plant roots by loosening heavyclay soil.

Adds bod to sand soil. Saves water by absorbing

.


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Humates .

Without humus and humic acidsp an s canno grow an surv ve.


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Humatese um c ac s um c, u m c an u v c

are essential to plants in three basic ways:

1. Humic acid enables plants to extractnutrients from the soil.

2. Ulmic acid stimulates and increasesroot growth.

3. Fulvic acid helps plants overcome

stress, enhances the bio-availability ofimportant trace minerals and theirup a e.

Lignite (a k a ) leonardite


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Lignite, (a. k. a.) leonardite,

low rank coal between peat andsub-bituminous.

some ualities as a fertilizer due toits high humic acid.

pH determinate?


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Blood Meal Obtained from slau hterhouses.

Contains 12 % nitrogen, 2 %hos hate and 0.6 % otash12-2-.6.

It is ver soluble excessive amountswill burn plant foliage.

Use 5 lbs er 100 s . ft .


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Bone Meal A white powder obtained from

ground, raw, or steamed animalbones.

About 22 % phosphate. 0-22-0.

more slowly than steamed bone meal.

Soybean Meal


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- - . Best to work in prior to planting.

Use from 5 - 15 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

More so beans are rown in the U.S. than

anywhere else in the world.


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Greensand andG it D tranite Dust

Very slowly available and less effective insoils that are alkaline or have a low level of

.

If the rock powders are finely ground, they

. Greensand contains 5 to 7 % potash, a

large quantity of magnesium and many

trace minerals. Granite dust contains 3 to 5 % potash. It

.


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S l P Mul-Po-Mag u p a e o po ass um-magnes a

(Langbeinite) is a natural mined salt. 18% potassium, 11% magnesium,

23%sulfur are especially useful if thesoil is low in magnesium.

It is soluble without a danger of salt

build-up.

Molasses


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3 types - unsulphured, sulphured andblackstrap.

Blackstrap molasses is from the third boiland onl has a commercial value in the

manufacture of cattle feed and other

industrial uses. Has more complex sugars which help the

.

Molasses


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Feeds fungi and/orbacteria in the soil.

Better resistance to many insect pests as well

as exhibit higher stress tolerances.

Use rate from 3-5% solution for more bacteria

in the soil.

.

Use liquid molasses, not dried feed stock grade.. ,

Mushroom Compost


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g n so u e sa s, which can killgerminating seeds and harm salt- sensitive

.

Mushroom compost varies from companyto com an .

2-1-1.

H 6.8 (?)

John Hart, soil scientist , Oregon State University Extension


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Sawdust Wood Shavingsawdust, Wood Shavings,Horse Bedding Pellets. Caution:

C/N ratio 22:6.

Salts mmhos/cm EC 2.56.

. .N 28, P 453, K 5670.

. .

From Pine and Spruce Pacific Soil Analysis Inc. Dr. WA Herman P.Ag

Earthworms


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. .can add:

.

64 pounds of phosphorus. poun s o po ass um.

38 pounds of calcium.

Yearly, per acre.

Earthworms


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oxygen through its moist skin it is a skin

. , .

They cannot tolerate heat and sun and sodurin the summer the come u to thesurface only at night.

Pesticides a lied to control turf diseases orinsect pests may severely affect earthworms.


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Leaves ',

full-grown tree can be worth up to.

Pound for pound, the leaves contain

,magnesium as manure.

Organic Matter


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B fitenefitsTilth. .Structure of soil.

Water and nutrients holdin abil it of thesoil.


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Organic Matter Benefits

Improves buffering capacity of soil: thatis, keeps soil from over-reacting .

Su orts the soils micro-biolo ical activit(or the life of the soil ).

Contributes nutrients, both minor andmajor.


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Organic Matter Benefitsrganic Matter Benefits Acids arising from the decomposition of

the organic matter help to convertinsoluble natural additives such as

ground rock into plant-usable forms. Releases nutrients slowly.

,

nematodes, heat, drought (?).

Organic Matter


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What it Should Dohat it Should DoProvides ade uate round cover to rotect

against soil erosion.

good biomass production.

- . .to raise the soil O.M. by 1%.

Green Manure


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What It Is Should Do

What it is..

Should use as little water as ossiblewhile still producing substantial

uantities of to - rowth.

- .

Green Manure Benefits


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The incorporated legume residuesare a biological source of nitrogen

that reduces the amount of fertil izerre uired for the followin cro .

increases nutrient availability to

.

Green Manure Benefits


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e stu es ave s own etween -of the total annual nitrogen added to the

crop.

found in the top soil 14 months after green

manurin .

Nitro en becomes available as lant

residues continue to decompose.


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Green Manure Crops, Season ofreen Manure Crops, Season ofGrowth, Amount of Seed, and Type.Crop Season

Seed

(lbs./acre) Type

Nitrogen (lbs./ton

dry material)

Buckwheat Summer 75 Nonlegume 14

Crimson clover Winter 15 Legume 45

Southern pea Summer 90 Legume 60

Soybean Summer 75 Legume 46

Sudan grass Summer 25 Nonlegume 28

Vetch Winter 30-50 Legume 62

Wheat Winter 75 Nonle ume 20

Green Manures


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l e g u m e s

To be effective the inoculant must cling

close to developing roots.

e ng e nocu an o s c , ry: mand/or corn syrup.

This also serves to feed the rhizobia andprotect them from drying on the seed.

Cover Cropsbuckwheat


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Warm season.

"- . .

Sow after threat of frost is gone. Flowers in 25-30 days. Plow down 10 days

after.

Fibrous superficial roots and a deep

taproot.

Flowers are attractive to bees, wasps,

Cover CropVetch


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Hardy winter annual.

Flowers from April to July.

Seed matures August to October.

Self-reseeding cover crop.

Vetch requires inoculation.

Vetch taproots can extend 3-5 ft.

Cover Crop


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Cloverlover Cool-season annual legume,

Growth is limited to the cool art

of the year.

"- . Flowers April-May.

Taproot, improve soil tilth and life. Soil H ran e of 6 - 7.

Cover CropWheat


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18-22 lbs. of wheat for a 100 ft. x100 ft., . . .

Bushel of wheat weights 60 lbs. Sow in the fall Sept/October.

Turn under in March. Approximately 20%N.


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om p o s t i n g Ingredientsom p o s t i n g Ingredients Kitchen scraps, vegetables.

Weeds and other garden debris.

Straw helps air circulation, good source ofcarbon.

Manure from cows, horses, goats, sheep,

ra s, pou ry, never use og or ca .

Other stuff: feathers, eggshells, shreddednewspaper, a r, p ne nee es, an

sawdust.

Items NOT to Be Used in thetems NOT to Be Used in the


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Compost Pile

Meat

Dairy Colored paper

Charcoal and fireplace ash

Items NOT to Be Used in the


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Compost Pile sease p an s.

Picloram (Tordon and Grazon) canremain in the soil for 3 years or more,very persistent, highly soluble, and easilymoved by rainfall. Used by commercialoperations to control weeds.

Always know where your compost


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Compost


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Compost ,


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microorganisms such as fungi, algae,bacteria, molds, and earthworms

ecompose e organ c ma er.

ompos ng as e a y o san zeorganic matter. The microbial activity

disease organism, and even breakdown most pesticides.

Carbon and Nitrogen


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Microorganisms get their energy from:

Carbohydrates such as cellulose,

residues, high in carbon.

Nitrogen from manure, kitchen, .

Carbon and Nitrogen


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If there is too little N the microbialpopulation will not grow to an optimumsize and decomposition will slow down.

Too much N allows rapid microbialgrowth and speeds up decomposition, itcan result in depleted oxygen and odorsas the excess N is given off.

The o timum C:N ration is about 30:1

Temperature

i l d h i d


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pile decomposes heat is generatedfrom the metabolism rocess.

A temperature of 140 to 160 degreesis desired to kil l atho ens weedseed.

Above 160 de rees themicroorganisms will die off.

Hard to et 140 de rees in our

climate.

Finished Compost


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or a year depending on the, ,

moisture. en e compos s ro en own

into a homogenous mixture and no

un- ecompose eaves or o ermaterial may be seen, it is ready foruse.

Finished Compost


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. soil with little distinguishable

materials were originally added to.

4. Should be warm.

5. Should have a sweet, earthy smell.


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How and Where to Use Compostow and Where to Use Compost Broadcast it over the entire garden

three weeks or more before planting.

If ou have onl a small uantit of compost, mix into the soil along eachlantin furrow or at each hill site.

How and Where to UseCompostompost


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As a minimum, apply it at the rate of

about 25 pounds per 100 square feet,or pound per square foot.

Or inch to inch deep.

Compost Tea


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.

Soaking compost in a bucket createspro ems.

Anaerobic vs. aerobic.

Compost Tea


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A pesticide, but reduces the use of

pesticides.

A fertilizer, but can reduce the use offertilizers.

An herbicide but can reduce the useof weed killers.

Mulching .


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Controls weeds.

Moderates soil temperatures.

Reduces com action.

Reduces crusting of soil.

Mulch Grass clippingsh dd d l


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Grass clippings,shredded leaves, ,

cobs,

pine needles, straw and haywoo pro ucts - c ps, ar ,

sawdust,

Synthetic MulchesPlastic - black clear

Newspaper, rock, and pebblesLandscape fabric

Disease and Pest Control , ,

trees


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trees.

Mulch.

Water at base of plant.

debris to over winter in the garden.

Keep your tools clean, sanitize if necessary.

Do rotate veggies / annuals on a 3-year plan.

Soil test.

Dont over feed your plants. .

HEALTHY SOIL = HEALTHY PLANT


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Pest Control


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Safer soap or a homemade soap mix.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Diatomaceous earth DE .

Plant based insecticides.

. Flowers.

.

Flour.

Pest Control .

Sti k t


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Sticky traps.

Fly and yellowjacket traps.

Boric acid, borates, borax.

Horticultural oils.

Neem Oil Derived from the Azadirachta indica


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Derived from the Azadirachta indicatree.

Flies, mosquitoes, caterpillars, true

bugs, locusts, grasshoppers, aphids,weevils, moths, roaches.

Rust, powdery mildew.

Fertilizer 3.5 0.8 1.6 as Neem

cake ood for root cro s .

Vegetable and Flower Gardens:- . .

Natural Weed Control


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Natural Weed Control -atural Weed Control


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Vinegar Horticultural vinegar 20% acetic acid (difficult to

handle).A t l i i d t l A staple in organic weed control. Some add a yucca extract in their vinegar, which

increases effectiveness by acting as a spreaderncreases effectiveness by acting as a spreader-sticker. Is a non-selective product used for spot weedpcontrol, will kill any green material it comes incontact with. Apply cautiously


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Happy Gardening

gardening organically

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