This whole approach to designing a functioning ecosystem from day one is something that we really should be looking at more given that I’m beginning to suspect that what we think of as conventional farming is uncomfortably dependent on cheap oil. [...]
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For those who like doing things for themselves, one way of feeding the plants is to make your own liquid fertiliser. You can do this quite simply by using deep rooted plants like comfrey and nettles. These not only are high in potassium and nitrogen but also concentrate trace minerals from the subsoil. It’s really quite easy. You can buy one or more of those 50/75 litre waterbutts they have in B&Q or Homebase plus a tap for them. Fill it up with freshly cut roughly chopped comfrey and nettles (we sometimes put thistles in ours too) and then fill it up with water. Leave for 3-6 weeks – then dilute and use [...] In order to grow effectively plants need to be able to get adequate supplies of nutrients and water so that they can develop without a check. Let’s face it as gardeners or indeed as commercial growers, a lot of what we do is aimed at making this so. Adding nutrients to the soil (or hydroponic media ) as compost, well rotted manure or fertiliser. Removing weeds that are competing for the nutrients, protecting the soil from drying out and conditioning the soil by adding organic matter and beneficial organisms like Mycorrhiza are all part of our daily and weekly routines. [...] |
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