fertilizer knowledge Fertilizer: An organic or synthetic material added to the soil or the plant, that is important for its nutrient value. Foliar Fertilizing: A technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to plant leaves. N-P-K: An abbreviation for the three main nutrients that have been identified as absolutely necessary for plants are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These three are also known as “macronutrients,” and are the source of the three numbers commonly found on fertilizer labels. Organic: Refers to something derived from living organisms and is made up of carbon-based compounds. It is also a general term used for a type of gardening using no chemical or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Compost tea: A form of natural liquid fertilizer that is made by ‘brewing’ or steeping finished compost (described above) or worm castings in water. The result is a mild but nutrient-rich solution used to water and feed plants. Compost tea may be passively steeped, or actively aerated (bubbled) to increase microbial activity. Fresh manure vs aged manure Macronutrients: The elements nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are macronutrients that are essential to plant health and growth. These are usually added to the soil through amendments and/or cover crops. Micronutrients: The elements boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are the seven micronutrients essential for healthy plant growth. These can be added to the soil through compost, organic matter, and rock dust. Side dress fertilizer meaning Liquid vs granular
In segment two Joey and Holly talk about bug control in your garden Bug control Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A pest control strategy that uses an array of complementary methods: natural predators and parasites, pest-resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological controls, various physical techniques, and pesticides as a last resort. It is an ecological approach that can significantly reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. “Trap plant” - a plant to attract bugs to keep away from your plants Use google image search Think about impact of chemicals vs impact of insect Placement of other traps - like Japanese beetle traps Move crops around Bring in insects predators like birds Don't just look at insect, look at damage or impact on plants Sometimes neem oil, dish soap and water or even essential oils can make a huge difference In segment three Joey and Holly welcome their guest Gary Pilarchik is a long time vegetable gardener, youtuber, blogger, and author. He enjoys teaching others how to grow vegetables with helpful and straight to the point information. His book is The Modern Homestead Garden: Growing Self-Sufficiency in Any Size Backyard 1. You enjoy growing all vegetables, but tomatoes for sure. What are some of your favorite and best tomato growing tips? 2. Many people dont realize you can use vinegar as a weed killer - can you tell us how to use it best and where to use it in the garden or yard for weeds? 3. Your book is The Modern Homestead Garden: Growing Self-Sufficiency in Any Size Backyard - can you give us a unique tip from it or why our listeners should check it out? 4. Many people use neem oil for many uses in their gardens - what are your favorite ways to use neem oil, and not all neem oil is the same, how do you choose what is true neem oil? 5. Your a modern homesteader - most people think of homesteaders with a lot of land and a root cellar, canning and making everything - that is not the case now always - what is a modern homesteader? 6. How can people find out more about you?
In segment four Joey and Holly answer gardeners questions
1.I have a parsnip plant I didn't harvest last year, and it is now going to seed. I'm considering letting it go to seed, and leaving that area of garden for parsnips. Should I do that or can they become a problem plant taking over? A:You can let them grow and they will put seeds on. We did that.
2. How do you get the whole root without digging up your whole garden? Q: We have found that we dig out as much as possible and keep removing that weed. By doing this it will over the course of a season or to stress the plant out to the point it will not come back.
3. Can you please explain to me what is black soil? A: black-colored soil containing a high percentage of humus and high percentages of phosphoric acids, phosphorus, and ammonia. Chernozem is very fertile and can produce high agricultural yields 4. I've tried growing in compost only but it seems that the water doesn't flow through it very well. The compost got hard and nothing really grew well in it. Maybe it's the type of compost I used. It's the compost from the nursery that comes in a bag. Thanks!
A: what may help is mixing some potting soil in with the compost and then using a mulch to keep it from drying out as fast this can be leaves, straw, shredded paper, pin needles sand to name a few.
5. I need help coming to terms with soil testing. I have 7 raised beds and a few fruit trees. Our local extension office (Madison, WI) charges $15 for the basic tests for each sample. It's a good price but if I were to test all of my spaces, it would get expensive quickly. Are there any good bulk or DIY options that you recommend? Most of the beds were created and filled as we were able to so the soil in each of them is pretty different. A: As far as soil testing, that is going to be your best bet. There are kit options online, but a soil lab like at local university is going to be best. You should test your soil every 3-5 years. Its well worth the cost, especially if it can help your vegetable production. 6. I see picture of can jar turned upside down why is this done and is it necessary?
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