The Rural Voice, 2019-02, Page 46issues with this limited resource. It is
mined from acidic bogs. Fresh or
composted shredded leaves are an
excellent organic alternative. It
allows easy movement of water and
air and softens soil texture for good
root growth. No nutrients and a low
pH. My mom once used peat moss as
mulch on her garden. Once it dried it
became impervious to rain and
created a dry oasis. I have used it and
mixed it with warm water in a
wheelbarrow before mixing into the
top layer of my garden. Potted plants
that have a high proportion of peat
moss will benefit with a good
soaking in room temperature water.
Blood meal: An excellent source
of nitrogen that won’t burn plant
roots. Yes it is made from blood, an
animal byproduct
Bone meal: Another animal
byproduct rich in phosphate and
calcium. It stimulates root growth
and promotes bud set in flowering
plants. It is also a slow release
nutrient that won’t burn roots.
Egg shells: I always give mine a
good squeeze to crush them before
popping into my compost pail. They
contain generous amounts of calcium
and some trace minerals. It is
suggested they be rinsed and dried
before crushing with a rolling pin or
in a food processor and adding to
your houseplants or garden.
The soil mix recipes are from
Judith Adam of Canadian Gardening
magazine. ◊
February 2019 43
Gardening
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A Country Guide
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A Country Guide
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