Rodale
Learning from Grandpa: How to Grow Healthier Plants
My Grandfather was an old school farmer from way back who depended on his crops for his living. He, like farmers then and now, knew that the secret to optimum yield and plant health begins in the soil. If the soil was just right and other conditions were favorable, his yields were higher and he could make a descent living that would get his family through the rest of the year.
My grandfather also knew that the condition and health of the soil directly influenced the plants ability to resist disease and insects. Having to use any type of insecticide on his farm was virtually unheard of. And yet, he had no insect problem.
So the question of what is the secret to healthier and more beautiful plants should really begin with the question of what is the secret to healthy soil.
Many factors will influence the quality and condition of your soil. And at the top of the list is the ph (acidity or alkalinity) of soil. Most folks have heard about soil ph but very few know how important it is and the difference it makes in color, yield, flavor, heath, etc.
If the ph of soil is incorrect, nutrient uptake is limited or restricted altogether. It doesn’t matter how much fertilizer you add, the plants won’t be able to use it efficiently. Iron, for instance, becomes locked into soil that is too alkaline. It won’t matter how much iron you add, the plant won’t be able to pick it up and use it.
If growing is not optimal, plants start to yellow or look sickly, and there is no obvious signs of insects, the first place to start is by testing the soil. In granddads day, folks would actually taste the soil to test the ph. If it was sweet, it was acid. If it was sour, it was alkaline. Fortunately for us, we don’t have to go out to our gardens and eat dirt. Modern test kits are available at garden centers, they’re inexpensive and easy to use.
Most plants prefer a slightly acid to neutral soil. Neutral is a 7 on the scale while slightly acid is a 6 on the scale. And I did say most plants. Some plants do prefer more acid soil and some do like alkaline. It’s a good idea to know a little bit about what you’re growing.
Now, my grandfather had a magic ingredient that he continually added to the soil. This magic ingredient would actually create healthy soil, buffer perfect ph, and facilitate proper nutrient uptake. It also made plants not so tasty to insects.
A magic ingredient? Not hardly. A lost art and science. Definitely. His magic ingredient was that he dutifully returned everything back into the soil. Everything from plant wastes to manure to kitchen scraps. His magic ingredient was nothing more than pure natural organics. If a soil was found to be out of balance, it was a matter of a simple adjustment. A little bit of sulfur to buffer alkalinity or a little bit of lime to buffer acid and also tilling in more bulk organics.
Farmers and gardeners back then couldn’t rely on a lot of chemical fertilizers because they were either unavailable or they simply couldn’t afford them. Oh I’m sure they would have liked to have had them since it would have made life much easier. However, what we didn’t use then that we do use now is why they had healthier plants, higher yields, better tasting food, more nutritional food, and even more colorful flowers. Again, the difference is organics.
Organically prepared soil eventually becomes stable and naturally balance in ph. All necessary plant nutrients become available and plants are able to use what they need and only when they need it. An excesses of individual nutrients in organic soil will actually be buffered and not do the plants any harm.
Plants grown in organic soils are naturally more resistant to insects and disease. They’re simply healthier and insects and disease generally attacks plants that are already unhealthy to begin with.
Chemical fertilizers are like a quick shot in the arm and plants will greedily take in more than they need. This weakens a plants ability to resist disease and insects. Then, of course, you’re going to need insecticides. However, healthy organic soil is also full of millions of beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms. Chemical fertilizers and insecticides will kill these very necessary elements and weaken plants immune systems even further. And so in using chemicals, we create a never ending no win cycle.
Creating organic soil will take a little effort and won’t happen overnight. It will take a few seasons. However, the rewards will far outweigh the effort. And eventually you’ll find that you spend less time taking care of your garden and more time enjoying it.
To begin with, start saving those leaves and grass clippings. This is a wonderful no cost resource. If you don’t have any of your own, I’m sure your neighbors will give you some of theirs. You can compost them or shred them as top dressing that will eventually break down into the soil.
I’ll also suggest two books to you. Rodales Complete Book Of Composting and Rodales Encyclopedia Of Organic Gardening. These two books alone will give you all the knowledge you need for composting and organic gardening.
Other secret ingredients are all around you, are usually free, and are often found right in your own trash can. Kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and even some papers can be composted.
Have a friend with a stable? Some folks will let you clean out their stable just for doing it. This is a very inexpensive way to add a lot of bulk organics very quickly. Keep in mind though that manure is better composted as it is extremely alkaline due to a high content of urea.
On top of all of this there is an endless list of organic materials, mineral dusts, and rock fertilizers available through organic gardening stores and sites.
So there you have it. I did learn something from my grandfather. And so did you.
About the Author
To learn about acacia fiber and acacia baileyana, visit the Acacia Plant website.
Robert Rodale Interview – Part I
|
|
Controlling Weeds (Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardeni $4.93 |
|
|
HERB REFERENCE BOOKS SET OF 3 FROM RODALE & TIME LIFE $4.99 |
|
|
Rodale Cookbook by Nancy Albright (1973, Hardcover) $6.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Quinto Lingo June 1968 by Rodale $12.98 |
|
|
Rodale’s Quinto Lingo February 1969 by Rodale $12.98 |
|
|
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials by Ellen Phillips and C…. $4.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Quinto Lingo December 1968 by Rodale $10.64 |
|
|
Turn Up Your Fat Burn by Alyssa Shaffer & editors of Prevention, Rodale $8.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia Organic Gardening 2009 (Great Gardener’s Gift) $15.99 |
|
|
RODALE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA GARDENING LANDSCAPING $9.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Quinto Lingo August September 1968 $10.64 |
|
|
Rodale’s Quinto Lingo March 1968 by Rodale $10.64 |
|
|
Rodale’s Quinto Lingo July 1968 by Rodale $10.64 |
|
|
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs $6.59 |
|
|
Rodale’s Naturally Delicious Desserts and Snacks $4.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening and $4.99 |
|
|
Landscaping With Perennials (Rodale’s Successful O $1.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Step-By-Step Guide to Outdoor Furniture for t $4.39 |
|
|
Synonym Finder by J. I. Rodale, Laurence Urdang and … $22.95 |
|
|
EE56 PLUGS RODALE TWISTLOCK 6PK M&F $7.00 |
|
|
The Rodale Guide to Composting by R Chapman, HBDC 1961 $9.50 |
|
|
A TRESURY OF NEEDLECRAFTS – Rodale Craft Book $10.00 |
|
|
Cut Your Spending in Half by Rodale Press (1994, Har… $3.99 |
|
|
A GREEN THUMB WITHOUT AN ACHING BACK Rodale Small Farm $70.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Low-Maintenance Gardening Techniques: Shortcuts and Time-Saving… $0.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE IRON REPAIR KIT RODALE MFG CO EMAUS PA ADVERTISING STORE DISPLAYS $14.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening and Landscaping Techniques $20.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Naturally Delicious Desserts and Snacks by … $11.77 |
|
|
Men’s Health Advisor 1994 rodale $15.00 |
|
|
MC PHOTO adp-327 Rodale Press Book Division PA $15.00 |
|
|
The Lose Weight Naturally Cookbook by Rodale Food Ce… $8.95 |
|
|
Gifts of the Spirit: True Stories to Renew Your Soul, Ardath H. Rodale, Very Goo $13.49 |
|
|
Vintage Rodale MFG 7 foot NOS Black w accents Cloth Covered Cord NO RESERVE $9.99 |
|
|
MC PHOTO abz-330 Rodale Theatre Pennsylvania $15.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening by Fern Marshall Bradley… $12.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Garden Answers Hardcover book flowers nice $8.99 |
|
|
Mountain Bike July 2010 Supplement to Rodale $4.39 |
|
|
Prevention’s Quick & Healthy Eating (Rodale, 2005, Paperback, Illustrated) $2.00 |
|
|
Prevention’s Healthy Woman 2006 (Rodale, Paperback, Illustrated) $2.00 |
|
|
Vintage Rodale D.C. Volt Gage $14.99 |
|
|
Nature’s Design: Practical Guide to Natural Landscaping – Rodale Illustrated HB $5.00 |
|
|
The New American Landscape Gardener – Guide to Beautiful Backyards, Rodale HB $4.50 |
|
|
Rodale RM694 Flush Receptacle NEW $18.00 |
|
|
THE SYNONYM FINDER – J.I. RODALE $1.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Garden Answers Vegies, Fruits & Herbs 1995 HC $10.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Low-Maintenance Gardening Techniques 1995 HC $10.99 |
|
|
EXHAUSTION Causes and Treatments ALLERGY TREATMENT Sam Roberts RODALE Allergies $11.00 |
|
|
ALMA LYNNE’S COUNTRY NEEDLECRAFTS ~ RODALE – New! $1.59 |
|
|
1980-1982 Lot 17 RODALE ORGANIC GARDENING MAGAZINES / FARMING / FLOWERS $16.99 |
|
|
The Complete Book of Composting by J.I. Rodale and Staff 1973 $9.99 |
|
|
(3) Natural Craft Books Wreaths Dried Flowers Rodale Reader’s Digest Hardcover $4.99 |
|
|
THE RODALE HERB BOOK-1978 SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION-USE, GROW, BUY HERBS- VERY GOOD $9.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Sensational Desserts by Joan Bingham $12.95 |
|
|
#2740-THE RODALE COOKBOOK BY NANCY ALBRIGHT $6.99 |
|
|
The Organic Way to Plant Protection, Rodale Press Organic Gardening 1971 $5.99 |
|
|
MC PHOTO abz-326 Rodale Theatre Pennsylvania $15.00 |
|
|
1958 Skits & Conversations Toward Better Health-Rodale $9.99 |
|
|
Prevention’s Healthy Woman 2006 (Rodale, Paperback, Illustrated) $2.00 |
|
|
Prevention’s Quick & Healthy Eating (Rodale, 2005, Paperback, Illustrated) $2.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Landscape Problem Solver by Jeff Ball A PLANT BY PLANT GUIDE $5.49 |
|
|
Vintage Encyclopedia of Common Diseases by J. I. Rodale, Hardcover $7.99 |
|
|
Reflections: Finding Love, Hope, and Joy in Everyday Life Ardath H. Rodale $23.92 |
|
|
Ann Lovejoy’s Organic Garden Design School (A Rodale Organic Gardening Book) Ann $47.13 |
|
|
HINTS, TIPS & EVERYDAY WISDOM – RODALE’S – 1100 TIPS $2.00 |
|
|
Rodale Cookbook by Nancy Albright (1973, Hardcover) Excellent Cond. $6.50 |
|
|
Rodale’s Book Of Hints, Tips & Everyday Wisdom HCDJ $2.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials by Elle $11.95 |
|
|
Maya Rodale – Tale Of Two Lovers (2011) – Used – Mass M $3.99 |
|
|
Organic Style Magazine, May / June 2002, A Rodale Publiccation $1.69 |
|
|
Rodale’s Naturally Great Foods Cookbook: The Best Fo… $2.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening by Nancy J. On… $3.00 |
|
|
Rodale Garden Book Preserving Summer Bounty New $6.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Scuba Diving Dive Vacation Planning Guide $3.38 |
|
|
Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening HERBS by Michalak (1993, Hardcover) $4.99 |
|
|
The Lose Weight Naturally Cookbook by Sharon Claessens and Rodale Food Center… $2.00 |
|
|
Rodale’s Landscape Problem Solver by Jeff Ball and Liz Ball (1989, Hardcover) $0.99 |
|
|
Rodale Garden Book Gardening With Perennials, Growing & Care Color Flower Charts $3.99 |
|
|
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies~ Selene Yeager~Rodale $8.00 |
|
|
RODALE’S BASIC NATURAL FOODS COOKBOOK (1997, Hardcover) $17.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Book of Practical Formulas: Easy-To-Make, Easy-To-Use, Recipes for Hund $1.00 |
|
|
Scarce!!! Cancer Can It Be Prevented? 1950 1st J. I. Rodale Organic Library Fair $63.75 |
|
|
Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Green Res $85.36 |
|
|
Rodale – Rodales Illus Ency Of Gardenin (2010) – Used - $2.81 |
|
|
Prevention Method for Better Health by J.I. Rodale and Staff, Hard cover/jacket $7.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Landscape Problem Solver by Jeff Ball, Liz … $3.00 |
|
|
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF MINERALS FOR HEALTH by J.I. Rodale and Staff /ALTERNATIVE $69.00 |
|
|
The Rodale Whole Foods Cookbook: With More Than 1,000 R $16.61 |
|
|
VINTAGE 1973 RODALE COOKBOOK by NANCY ALBRIGHT $3.99 |
|
|
Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening Perennials $1.99 |
|
|
**NEW** RODALE PRESENTS – COOKING ORGANIC MADE EASY $1.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s garden insect, disease & weed identification g $4.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials by E… $9.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening by Patricia S. Michalak (1993) $14.45 |
|
|
Save Three Lives: A Plan for Famine Prevention by Robert Rodale and Mike… $4.98 |
|
|
Rodale’s No-Fail Flower Garden: How to Plan Plant and Grow a Beautifu, Easy Care $1.99 |
|
|
Ancient + Modern (Rodale Organic Style Books) by Cynthi $19.95 |
|
|
Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening: Perennials $1.50 |
|
|
The Weekend Woodworker Annual 1993 Projects for the Home Craftsman Rodale Books $7.00 |
|
|
NEW The Rodale Book of Composting – Martin, Deborah L. $11.05 |
|
|
Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening by Fern Marshall Bradley… $10.00 |