Tips & Tricks

Effective Microorganisms 

Effective Microorganisms (EM) were discovered and developed by a Japanese agronomist Teruo Higa. Dr. Higa’s concept is loosely based on a theory that there are three groups of micro-organisms in the soil, namely 1) positive (regeneration); 2) negative (decomposition, degeneration); and 3) opportunists. According to the concept, the ratio of positive to negative is critical in determining whether the soil will be regenerating or degenerating because the opportunists will follow the predominant trend. In every medium (soil, water, air, the human intestine), the ratio of ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ micro-organisms is critical, since the opportunist micro-organisms follow the trend to regeneration or degeneration. Therefore, Higa believes that it is possible to positively influence the given media by supplementing with positive micro-organisms. 

EM is like pro-biotics for you soil. These microorganisms help your soil function correctly, facilitate the breakdown of material and improve the quality of your soil.

Ceres Edible Landscaping can apply EM to your landscape, or you can purchase your own supply at the Cowichan Green Community Green Store. The Green Store is located at 181 Station St in downtown Duncan.

Companion Planting 

Companion planting is an environmentally friendly way of keeping your plants healthy and deterring pests. The main idea is to plant a variety of species together and choosing individuals that compliment each others' well being. Companion plants offer a range of benefits, including: 

  • producing strong odours that distract pests e.g. thyme, basil
  • "fixing nitrogen" from the air into a more available form in the soil, which can feed plants e.g. peas, beans and other legumes
  • releasing chemicals that prevent weed germination e.g. grain rye
  • protecting shade-loving plants from excess sunlight
  • and creating habitats that encourage the presence of beneficial insects e.g. yarrow

 

Composting 

Composts are one of the most effective ways to build soil, but like all living things, they need proper care. Composts need a balanced carbon : nitrogen ratio (usually 30:1), as well as the right amounts of moisture and air in order to produce high quality organic matter. Locate your pile close to a water source, as a compost pile needs plenty of moisture to create an ideal environment for microbes. Composts also need to be turned once a week to provide oxygen to the hardworking bacteria and fungi. It is best to create a contained pile, such as one using wooden shipping pallets, to make sure you maximize the heat in the center of the pile.

Sheet Mulching 

Wherever you want to build a new garden bed, this is the most effective way to do it. Start with a thick layer of cardboard and newspaper over the lawn or weeds. Next, use composted manure, seaweed, grass clippings, shredded newspaper, coffee grinds and layer these alternating between carbon (brown material) and nitrogen (green material). Keep the sheet mulch moist and you can even cover it with a tarp to speed up the decomposition since microbes like darkness. In a matter of a few months you will have rich soil your plants will LOVE!

Beneficial Insects

Bugs got you down? Try planting varieties that attract beneficial insects to keep pests at bay. The following is a list of insects that will help keep your garden happy and what to plant to make them feel welcome: 

Insect: Bees - Benefits: pollination - Favours: plants with a strong scent, colourful petals and/or good quality nectar

Insect: Ladybugs; Benefits: larvae and adults eat Aphids, Mealy bugs, Mites and eggs of other insects; Favours: plants in the Carrot family (Apiacea) e.g. Carrot, Fennel, Dill, Queen Anne's Lace; Yarrow; Deergrass and other clumping grasses

Insect: Lacewings; Benefits: larvae eat softbodied insects, including Aphids, Mealy bugs and Mites (adults eat pollen and nectar); Favours: plants in the Carrot family (Apiacea) e.g. Carrot, Fennel, Dill, Queen Anne's Lace; Yarrow; Buckwheat; Corn; Amaranth

Insect: Spiders; Benefits: eat Aphids, Flea Beetles, Cucumber Beetles, Leafhoppers and others; Favours: straw mulch, undisturbed habitat strips (e.g. hedgerows)