Learn about the basics of raised-bed gardening as well as a basic recipe for raised-bed soil! Join us!

Learn about the best soil for different types of gardening! This week, we are focusing on container gardening and growing in pots.

Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system(1). Getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels – contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research(1).

When it rains, the water flows toward this front brick wall and flows straight down to our basement. I observed this sloping and decided to try out installing a berm to help redirect the water away from my house. Berms are a simple water harvesting earthwork technique that are laid perpendicular to land slope, designed to intercept rainwater running down the slope and infiltrate this water in a localized area. I used logs and top soil to construct the berm and then planted micro clover on top to help hold the berm in place over time as well as produce a great source of nitrogen to my soil. The best part? I did this for a fraction of the cost it would have cost to get a new sump pump installed and I set up my property for success in the future. If you want to learn more about this water harvesting technique and how it can help you on your property, contact www.soil organic solutions.com !

To keep our trees happy and healthy thus keeping us happy and healthy, they need quality soil. Soil is the storage place for water and the nitrogen and minerals dissolved in water, which are needed by the tree to live and grow. The soil also provides a base for the tree to attach itself firmly in place. Soil serves as the foundation of woodlands, supporting trees, plants, fungi and other organisms. In fact, it can be considered an entire ecosystem of its own, as it provides habitat for thousands of species of microbes. These microbes transform nutrients in the soil into a form that is accessible for trees and plants to use, a process essential for tree health and growth.

2024’s Earth Day theme is “Planet vs. Plastic”

Over the past 60 years, around eight billion tons of plastic has been produced, according to a recent study in the journal Science Advances — 90.5 per cent of which has not been recycled. As a result, this year's Earth Day theme— “Planet vs. Plastic”— demands a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. This reduction will prove to be a challenge considering the prevalence of plastic in our daily lives. What is being done about this issue? During the upcoming United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Ottawa, Canada from 23rd to the 29th of April, the goal is to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, that will, as stated, “by early next year, actually ratify a new treaty at the United Nations to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040”.

Comfrey is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year. No need for repeat planting!

Comfrey is very beneficial, offering nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for growing plants.No need for using petroleum based fertilizers!

Garden comfrey has high nutrient content and can be cut several times in a season. Comfrey's leaves are full of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - all nutrients needed by growing plants.Comfrey can be used all gardening and planting season!

Its leaves can be used as mulch around your plants by simply “chopping and dropping” the leaves in place. No need to be purchasing and lugging bags or wheelbarrows full of wood mulch around to use on your plants!

It produces pretty purple flowers that pollinators like bees love! If it's good for the bees, it's good for me!

When it comes to how solar eclipses impact soil biology/soil health, there does not seem to be a study examining exactly how solar eclipses impact the organisms contained within the soil. There is a study via Science Daily featuring the astonishing complexity of soil bacterial circadian clocks. This study showed that soil bacteria have internal clocks that synchronize their activities with the 24-hour cycles of day and night on Earth. New research shows just how complex and sophisticated these bacterial circadian clocks are, clearing the way for an exciting new phase of study. Maybe by the next total solar eclipse, August 23, 2044, there will be more to learn about a solar eclipse’s impact on our soil!

Gardening time is right around the corner and before you plant, its important to pick a planting area with healthy soil that will not only support, but also to help your garden thrive!

Above is a picture of two soil samples from our property: The Left-Hand Side sample of soil is from along our black-top driveway. The Right-Hand Side sample of soil is from an old raised garden bed. Both areas get the same amount of sunlight and precipitation.

Based on our 5 senses, how can we judge and determine which soil area is more ideal for planting and supporting our potential garden? The Left-Hand Side sample of soil is a paler shade of brown, with no detectable odor. The soil from that area is greatly compacted from being right next to the driveway. The lighter shade of brown may indicate there is less organic matter present in the soil to support plants beyond grass. The fact that there is no odor may also indicate a lack of diverse biology present in this area of soil. The Right-Hand Side sample of soil is a rich, dark-chocolate brown color and has a fresh, earthy odor- thus indicating that this sample likely has more organic matter and healthy soil biology present to support garden plants beyond grass.