Every gardener deals with a problem spot in the landscape, whether it’s rocky soil, poor drainage, or soil pH issues. Use organic solutions to combat these obstacles.
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Most soils in organic gardens are somewhat acidic, as the decomposition of organic matter like mulch and compost acidifies the soil. A pH between 6 and 6.5 is desirable for many common garden flowers and vegetables. However, if the pH is below 4.5, even acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas may balk. Gardeners can raise the pH by adding limestone or wood ashes.
If the pH of the soil consistently measures greater than 6.5, gardeners can grow plants that prefer alkaline conditions, such as phlox, lilac, or coneflowers. Organic gardeners should be adding ample amounts of organic matter to the garden regularly, such as composted leaves or rotted manure, which acidifies the soil. Organic mulch acidifies alkaline soil in two ways: the decomposition of the mulch produces acidic compounds, and the mulch prevents evaporation, which leaves alkaline salts behind.
Gardeners with an area of the garden that remains wet can work with these conditions by installing a bog garden. Plants that appreciate wet feet include ostrich fern, pitcher plant, and cardinal flower. Gardeners who aren’t ready to yield to boggy conditions can build raised garden beds. Gardeners can build the raised beds from stones, wood, or plastic lumber kits. Avoid using railroad ties, which can contaminate the soil with creosote.
Sandy soil that drains too quickly and always seems parched may suffer from inadequate soil nutrients as well as drought. Organic gardeners can work to solve both problems by planting a cover crop over the area. Green manure plants like clover or buckwheat mature in one season, then the gardener turns them into the soil to fortify the plot and improve the soil’s tilth.
Gardeners who don’t have a retaining wall in their budget should consider groundcovers as an alternative to a lawn that is difficult to mow on steep terrain. Think beyond the standard ivy, ajuga, and creeping juniper that most big box stores market as groundcovers. Any strong-rooted, spreading plant can function as a groundcover, and lavender, dead nettle, or lemon balm can step in to prevent erosion. Cover the bare soil with biodegradable burlap while plants get established.
Gardeners with sore backs from digging up one stone after another in the garden can plan a rock garden with plants adapted to thin, rocky soil. Organic gardeners will appreciate that pests rarely bother these hardy natives. Coral bells, moss phlox, and yarrow are good rock garden choices for sunny areas. Shade rock gardens can accommodate columbine, bleeding heart, and violets.
Source:
North Carolina Office of Environmental Education
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