In-Ground Gardening
In-Ground Gardening: It is, as it states, gardening in the ground. But is it that simple? Sow a seed into the soil, cover it, water it, wait for it to grow? Well, yes, and not quite. Not every plant will grow in just any soil, and depending on the soil you have in your garden, nothing may grow at all. There are many things you can do to cultivate, or improve, the soil you have.
Cultivating Your Land
Cultivation is the practices you put in place to build up your soil structure. Cultivating soil involves building up Vitamins, Nutrients, and Minerals, while inviting beneficial insects to live and reproduce. It also includes the breaking down of organic matter such as leaves, and woodchips. Cultivation is super important for your soil, and your plants.
When do you cultivate the soil?
Cultivating soil is a process that takes time. Most often accomplished by Amending the existing soil with organic matter. Soil is usually amended in early spring, before crops will be planted. And in between plantings. Remember that with each plant you grow, it will take nutrients from the soil. It is important to add some nutrients back into that soil, for the health of your new plants! If you do nothing to improve your current soil, nature will take a toll on the elements of the soil, causing it to dry out and not hold much, or any, minerals or moisture, preventing adequate nutrient absorption.
Soil is ALIVE?!
Did you know soil has its own ecosystem? Without a good, living ecosystem, your plants won’t produce to their highest abilities. There are many methods or amendments you can use or practice to improve your existing soil without having to haul in a bunch of soil and compost. However, adding aged compost to your soil is always a good thing. It adds nutrition, and brings in loads of microbes and beneficial insects. Compost adds so many vitamins and minerals to your soil that your plants need. In-ground Gardening requires that you add organic matter to your garden beds to continue building your soil’s ecosystem. Your plants take nutrients from the soil as they grow. To ensure your plants have all they need to thrive, amend your soil each season.
Yes, you’ll probably kill a few plants, but if you don’t learn about what your plants need from the soil, you’re likely to kill them all!!
Want to learn about Container Gardening?
How about Raised Bed Gardening?
Watering Your In-ground Garden:
When it comes to watering your plants, understand this; Yes, your plants need water, but it’s not the plants you should water, water the soil. Your plants pull water and nutrients from the soil. Watering the foliage won’t do anything for the plant except add moisture that could cause mildew and other plant diseases. It can be a little confusing if you go by the back of the seed packets.
Typically you’ll see information such as; Water 1-2 inches per week. Don’t overthink this. Basically, you just want to make sure the soil is moist, not soaking. Water when the top two inches of the soil is dry. Simply poke a finger into the soil, if it’s dry, water. Don’t make watering over complicated. To help retain soil moisture, mulch your beds with straw or wood chips.
