Gardening more sustainably begins with utilizing less water. Planting annuals in
the soil can be done more sustainably by using a couple techniques described
below.
#1 - Prepare the soil. Add composted manure, compost, or
organic soil with water retaining qualities such as Organic
Mechanics Soil to help hold water.
#2 - Plant non-drought-tolerant annuals with water crystals and
mycorrhiza added in their planting hole whenever possible. Water
crystals help retain water. Mycorrhiza is a fungus that helps roots association
with its surrounding soil, strengthening the plant. (To learn more about
mycorrhiza, please go to this link.)
#3 - Mulch. Retaining water is easy when you add a mulch as
a top dressing around the plants. My recommendation is a wood chip or compost
mulch. Never use that dreaded artificial black plastic cover mulch. "Real" mulch
allows an exchange between the soil and the mulch which is nutritive for your
plants and good for the soil condition.
In the video below you see before and after examples of two annuals I planted
this season which have grown very well with my planting techniques. I surrounded
my vegetable garden with African Taishan Marigolds and Wave Petunias.
Products sponsored by the below supporters. I would be using
these products whether or not they are sponsored - I have used them for years
and have faith in their quality - -
- Additional information can be found about Organic Mechanics Soil on the Organic Mechanics
website - www.organicmechanicsoil.com. - Additional information can be found on the Wave Petunia at
http://www.wave-rave.com. - Additional information can be found on the Taishan Marigold at
http://www.ballhort.com/Growers/plant_info.aspx?phid=040705575006060&dispmode=
Filed under: Green Family, Save Water
Tags: annual plants, annuals, flowers, garden, green lifestyle, green living, green tips
