Natural Organic Herbal Remedies

Typical Forest

It all starts with good, rich fertile soil.

To get the idea just take a stroll through a forest. This is a complete all natural ecosystem.  There you will find the best soil for your ‘organic’ garden. The idea here is to see what nature has done for thousands of years and to replicate to your garden.

Soil texture is directly influenced by the relative amounts of clay, sand and silt in the soil. The ideal amount of silt and sand are 40 percent each and 20 percent of clay.

Clay is composed of hydrated aluminum silicate. Clay soil is negatively charged. This of course attracts all the positively charged molecules. Majority of the nutrients will ionically bond to clay. Clay soil compacts easy. It produces intermolecular cross linkage trapping water and other molecules in the vicinity. This also contributes to the typical stickiness - rubbery texture of clay.

Sandy soil is like a jar full of marbles. Very loose and porous making it easy to dig. The water and nutrients will just flow between the cracks. Main component of sand is silica in the form of quartz. The crystalline structure of quartz is tetrahedral, making sand chemically inert. The porosity is good for roots to gain oxygen and ability to spread.

Silt is essentially the combination of the two. Small particles of sand are encapsulated with clay particles. They are irregular shape and do not compact easily.

Once you get this ratio of sand, clay and silt start adding organic vegetation. Composted organic material present in the soil is known as loam. If the sandy soil is preferred add more sand and organic compost. This type of soil is called “sandy loam.”  More clay that is present will become clay loam and so on.

Soils’ texture and workability will depend on the combination of sand/clay/silt. The nutritional value of soil will depend on type and amount of organic matter present.

Good practice to maintain healthy amount on nutrients and micro nutrients is to add organic material each fall. All of the fallen leaves from the trees should be chopped and added to your garden. Leaves are excellent natural source of carbon.The easiest method is to chop-and bag them with your lawnmower. Mushroom compost and grass clippings are also ideal. They are loaded with minerals that will nourish your garden the following year.

Compost will add digested nutrients and more importantly the microorganisms that will facilitated decomposition of other organic matter. Worms and these microorganisms are good indicator of a “healthy”garden. These critters feed on dead organic matter breaking it down into nutrients, micro-nutrients and humus.

Humus forms loose connections between soil particles allowing good root penetration of plants. More importantly, humus has great affinity for water. It acts like a sponge to hold  water and all the nutrients necessary for good growth.

Humus Soil

Clay, sandy or loam soil all benefit from compost.  More organic matter present in the soil the better. Soil with lots of organic matter is known as “rich” soil as it acts as a reservoir of all the nutrients that a healthy garden needs.

Healthy plants, just like humans, have better affinity to fight diseases. They will produce great tasting crop loaded with all the goodies that everybody can enjoy.

On the final note:

Soil is the cornerstone of a good garden. If you take care of your soil, your garden will take care of you for years to come.

There is nothing like growing your own, organic vegetables that are freshly picked and consumed!