Soil amendments and fertilizers are sometimes a mysterious subject, note the Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers.

What to add to the soil, and when, and how much? Is there hope for clayish soil, or sandy soil? How much lime is too much?

To answer these questions and much more, the Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers are hosting a presentation, Natural Soil Amendments with Hans Kroemer, past-president of the Horticultural Society and longtime home gardener. He has extensive experience dealing with difficult soil conditions, and turning wasteland into bountiful gardens. He will explain the value of using only natural amendments.

“Chemical fertilizers gradually kill the microbial life of the soil, creating dependence and weaker plants. They have no place in a home garden,” says Kroemer.

He then goes on to clarify the biological process going on below the surface.

“Adding organic matter and natural minerals to the soil not only feeds root plants, but the countless bacteria necessary for soil health and for assimilation of nutrients by rootlets. Healthier soil will give us healthier food,” adds Kroemer.

Several buckets filled with samples of natural additives — from expensive to free — will be on display and discussed at length.

Everyone is familiar with dolomite lime and compost, but how many know what rock phosphate can do for the garden? What is the difference between bagged manure from the store, and manure from a local farmer? Why is canola meal superior to cottonseed meal? Are seaweeds too salty to add to the garden?

Other fertilizers from Mother Nature will come as a surprise: the dreaded horsetail can be put to good use, as well as comfrey leaves. Never throw away eggshells: they will provide a slow-release source of several minerals.

“Mulching your garden soil is also a critical factor: not only does the decomposing mulch such as grass clippings or shredded dead leaves increase the organic content and feed the soil over time, it also retains water and smothers weeds,” says Kroemer, who advocates protecting bare soil from the harsh sun, and — why not — do less weeding.

Kroemer will also guide us through correcting soil problems, with a few interesting anecdotal stories to illustrate his talk. “Learning to improve whatever soil medium you have is much easier, economical, and more effective than trucking in loads of topsoil, which would need to be amended anyway,” adds Kroemer, who went through some serious remedial gardening after moving to a heavy clay area.

A complete handout will be given, including what N-K-P can do for you and where to find them, various enriched soil and growing medium recipes, and quick descriptions of all the natural soil amendments easily found around here.

This workshop for home gardeners will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Rotary Hall, downstairs at the Florence Filberg Centre.

Come early to examine the exhibits, gather handouts or chat with Kroemer.

The event is organized by the Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers, a non-profit society dedicated to encouraging participation in the preservation of our plant heritage and diversity, by growing and saving the seeds from heritage and non-hybrid food crops and other plants which have adapted to the Comox Valley.

Everyone is welcome to this presentation; admission is by donation and free for members.

For information about this event or the society, call Lucie at 338-0568.

source : www.comoxvalleyrecord.com