The Monroeville Garden Club had a wonderful meeting on October 10 at the Monroeville Presbyterian Church, hosted by Mrs. Nancy Zeibach and co-hosted by Mrs. Brenda Gardner. The program titled "Be Loyal to Your Soil" was presented by Mr. James Miles, Horticulturist and Regional Extension Agent from Mobile.
If you were to ask a farmer, a seasoned gardener, and James Miles what the key element to thriving plant life is, they would likely tell you the same thing: healthy soil. And if you were to do a little digging (pun intended) you would easily understand why.
Soil is its own ecosystem and it is complex. It is full of living and non-living creatures that are contributing to its richness. Earthworms, insects, bacteria, and fungi are just a few of the organisms and micro-organisms (there are billions in a handful of healthy soil) living and working underground, and they probably don't get the credit they deserve. They break down and recycle dead and decaying material, restoring the soil's nutrients and improving its structure in the process. Plants absorb these nutrients and humans and animals feed on the plants. In short, soil sustains life so we must conserve and protect it.
Mr. Miles recommends having a soil test done if you haven't already. This is the most thorough and accurate way to know your soil, good, bad, and ugly. The results will list your soil's pH level and measure it's health by pinpointing deficiencies. Reach out to the local extension office if you are unsure about the soil test process and/or reading the results. Understanding this analysis will eliminate any guesswork in determining what your soil needs. From this point, you can begin to prep your soil, which should be an integral part of your planting plan. In addition to your soil test results, your prep will depend on factors such as time, resources, and what you're planting. Adding organic matter (think leaves and yard clippings), applying lime, planting cover crops, and composting are all great ways to help meet your soil's needs. Again, your local extension office can be very helpful with questions or concerns. And no matter the project in mind or the area you're covering, healthy soil will benefit us in more ways than we can imagine.
If you were to ask a farmer, a seasoned gardener, and James Miles what the key element to thriving plant life is, they would likely tell you the same thing: healthy soil. And if you were to do a little digging (pun intended) you would easily understand why.
Soil is its own ecosystem and it is complex. It is full of living and non-living creatures that are contributing to its richness. Earthworms, insects, bacteria, and fungi are just a few of the organisms and micro-organisms (there are billions in a handful of healthy soil) living and working underground, and they probably don't get the credit they deserve. They break down and recycle dead and decaying material, restoring the soil's nutrients and improving its structure in the process. Plants absorb these nutrients and humans and animals feed on the plants. In short, soil sustains life so we must conserve and protect it.
Mr. Miles recommends having a soil test done if you haven't already. This is the most thorough and accurate way to know your soil, good, bad, and ugly. The results will list your soil's pH level and measure it's health by pinpointing deficiencies. Reach out to the local extension office if you are unsure about the soil test process and/or reading the results. Understanding this analysis will eliminate any guesswork in determining what your soil needs. From this point, you can begin to prep your soil, which should be an integral part of your planting plan. In addition to your soil test results, your prep will depend on factors such as time, resources, and what you're planting. Adding organic matter (think leaves and yard clippings), applying lime, planting cover crops, and composting are all great ways to help meet your soil's needs. Again, your local extension office can be very helpful with questions or concerns. And no matter the project in mind or the area you're covering, healthy soil will benefit us in more ways than we can imagine.
After the presentation, club members and guest visitors gathered together and snacked on goodies prepared by the hostesses. There were tortilla roll-ups, roasted pecans, M&M cookies, apple turnovers, lemon tarts, and chocolate pecan fudge. Signs of an early autumn could be seen on every tabletop. A beautiful centerpiece full of sunflowers and daisies with aucuba foliage was placed among the goodies, and bright pumpkins and leaves on the surrounding tables. It was a truly inviting setting and an afternoon that everyone enjoyed.
** Monroe County Extension Office ~ 251-575-3477 **
** Monroe County Extension Office ~ 251-575-3477 **
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