SOILS.
GIVE BACK TO MOTHER NATURE!
Soil restoration is only now becoming a topic of conversation, though the
FDA discovered in the 40's that long-farmed soils were already being depleted
of key nutrients.
For most plants, soil provides both home and health. The complex web of nutrients,
organisms, enzymes and plant roots may be difficult to duplicate in our own
gardens. But using simple techniques and good materials does improve soil
conditions with time.
FIND SOIL SUPPLIES for large projects:
SOILS OF ALL TYPES are available at Soilutions
in Albuquerque's South Valley. Using a variety of soil components, Soilutions
also offers custom blending for large quantities. They are friendly and helpful,
with many other things available on their lot. This is the place for many
who are going 'native' and converting spaces to more xeric growing conditions.
If a pick-up truck is available, take the time to visit their site: 9008 Bates
Road SE, south of Rio Bravo Blvd. Call for directions 505-877-0220.
Friendly faces are also found at Western Organics where additional mulch
options are available. Barks of all sizes, cushy playground chips and cedar
mulch is just a sampling. Delivery fees for most companies will be about $75.
FIND SOIL SUPPLIES for small projects:
POTTING SOIL. These days it is difficult to find a bagged potting soil without
additives. Chemical fertilizers and other unnatural ingredients are now in
most packaged soils. Read the label carefully if growing vegetables or a chem-free
garden space. Gardeners'Guild carries Black Gold Organic potting soil as well
as a Coco-fiber blend. At last, many local nurseries responding to customer
requests are also adding high quality soil options to ther inventory. Another
favorite soil? FoxFarms, available at Albuq Hydroponic on San Mateo SE.
PECAN SHELLS by the bag - Rehm's Nursery on Lomas NE sells pecan shells by
the bag. For small projects, this is the way to go.
More COCOFIBER, ROCK and AMENDMENTS can also be found at Gardeners'Guild.
Email or drop by!
DON'T FORGET TO MULCH!
Mulch provides shade for soil, a reduction in erosion and protection from
harsh evaporative affects of the sun that create harsh salt concentrations.
Often, organic mulches can be found at locations that carry soil in large
quantities. Selection will vary from one place to the next. Read about mulch
(see topic link to the right) for assistance in deciding the best mulch for
your spaces. Gardeners'Guild recommends pecan shells as one of the best. Mulching
is the perfect solution for areas sitting unplanted: reduce weeds, conserve
moisture and encourage beneficial soil activity.
MULCH details.
Mulch, in it's most general definition, is any material used as a non-living
ground cover. A mulch can be rock, bark, pecan shells, wood chips in eucalyptus
or cedar, rubber shreds, straw, newspaper, etc. The following does not list all options, but those retail sources that are
most accessible in the ABQ area.
ROCK - Buildology, Rocky Mountain Stone, La Farge
SHREDDED/CHIPPED - Western Organics, Barelas
PECAN SHELLS - Soilutions, Western Organics
COMPOST - Soilutions, Western Organics, La Orilla Farms (contact GG) - qualities
of compost can vary widely, so do ask questions about it's composition!
STRAW or HAY - Wagners Feed and Supply on North 4th Street, Rio Grande Community
Farms off of Motano or GardenersGuild. (seasonal availability)
NEWSPAPER - Recycle, recycle, recycle. Use newspaper print as a mulch, laid
in sheets or as a food source for worms in a simple vermiculture project.
Most newspapers now print using soy-based inks, removing the concern for harmful
chemicals.
Any information found on these pages that could be construed as advice or
'correct' information is not, in fact, that. All perspectives are merely well-informed
perspectives from a variety of highly reputable sources, formed through experience
and the skill of observation which is a shared quality amongst G'G members.
It is in that spirit that you are presented with articles and recommendations
that have been well researched, and prove generally reliable. Experiment at
your own risk. Life's worth it.
Email to ask a question, or to send a contribution! info@gardenersguild.org