As organic gardeners we are continually working towards improving our soils structure and fertility. Almost all soil types can be improved by adding organic matter. Anything with animal or plant origins such as manure, compost, seaweed or straw can be added as a mulch or dug into the soil to decompose and add humus. Green Manuring Animal Manure If you can locate a free source of animal manure this is the most beneficial for your soil but if its fresh compost it for a period before use as it may burn plants due to its high ammonia content. The manure will add body to your soil and as as it breaks down add valuable humus. We are lucky to be surrounded by cattle and goat keepers who are happy to get rid of some of their animal waste either free or for a small payment. Goat manure is particularly good as the naturally dry pellets are easy to collect and apply and its less messy than other animal manures. Composting ![]() Comfrey I have grown and used comfrey for many years in the UK and it grows happily in the Mediterranean. Plant it in the autumn in fertilised soil to about 80cm apart. My comfrey patch has survived its first scorching Cyprus summer. The plant is a hardy perennial plant which provides a valuable source of manure and liquid fertiliser. I would recommend using Bocking 14, a Russian comfrey, which is a deep rooting plant which, through use of its leaves, provides potash, nitrogen and phosphate. As an organic gardener this plant is extremely useful and can be spread, once established, by annual division. Once established leaves can be harvested 3 to 4 times a year for use as: a mulch, to place in planting holes for potatoes or tomatoes and can also be added to your compost heap to increase bacterial activity and decomposition. Leaves can also be submerged in water, by weighting, in a sealed container, for example a large barrel, and after several months the smelly juice can be diluted with 10:1 parts of water for use a liquid fertiliser. A liquid fertiliser which is rich in potassium, potash, nitrogen and phosphorous but must be used within six months. Nettles ![]() Seaweed Can be used as a mulch or turned into a liquid feed by submerging in water for 45-60 days. The liquid is rich in potassium and many trace elements and can be used after being diluted with 1:1 parts of water. Ash Ash from garden bonfires, wood burning stoves or fireplaces has some fertiliser value with about 10% potash, 1% phosphate and traces of iron, copper and zinc. The largest component of wood ash is 25% calcium carbonate which is a common liming material and increases soil alkalinity. Our soil has a pH of 5.5 so benefits from adding wood ash to raise the alkalinity but do do add wood ash to areas in which acid loving plants are growing. Mulching ![]() |
Home > Vegetable Planting Guide >