Comments on: Still thinking about getting your garlic?

By: Nova Person

Nova Person — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:46:34 +0000

I say, compost is the best thing that you can add to a soil. Improves the overall quality and structure of the soil, makes it able to hold moisture better but drain excess water efficiently. An overall good soil enhancer.

By: Janice @ Peaceful Valley

Janice @ Peaceful Valley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:12:06 +0000

Donna, You may want to use a good quality compost that you can add when you plant. Another consideration would be a product that Peaceful Valley Farm Supply carries called Microp. I’ve included a link to that page here:

http://www.groworganic.com/item_ISO310_Microp_8_Oz.html

This is like a mini cover crop that you can use on your lawn or in your garden that won’t compete with other plants. You won’t have to till it in and it increases organic matter, increases water retention and improves nutrient mobility. There are several micronized and foliar amendments you can use throughout your growing season too. But general soil improvement: compost, compost, and more compost at least annually.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:19:01 +0000

I live in Southern Oregon and had a wonderful raised bed garden. My older beds just won’t produce. I thought of a cover crop to feed these beds but I’m unable to till because of the raised beds and also my drip system. What do you suggest to improve my soil?

By: Andrew @ Peaceful Valley

Andrew @ Peaceful Valley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:16:37 +0000

HA HA! Great question! One of my colleagues (an English major no less) gives me trouble about this because I sometimes pronounce “Humus” the incorrect way. I think the reason i mispronounce this is because I absolutely love Hummus (the creamy blended kind of the favorite chick-pea “garbanzo” and garlic middle eastern delight). The soil matter “Humus” like “Humic” is actually pronounced like a color “Hue” not like “Hum” when humming a song. Check out this website:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humic

and click the small red stereo with sound symbol next to the word to hear the pronunciation.

By: matt boeck

matt boeck — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:49:59 +0000

what is the pronunciation for Humic acid? is it HU like Humus the food or HU like Hue the color of a thing? I think it is the latter but am not sure and also what is it’s Ph?- Matt