There is no one right way to garden, everyone’s resources differ and everyone’s approach will also differ.  That being said, there are some practices that will tend to yield better results, and there are some that should be avoided.  This is a list 3 things that people commonly do in their garden that you should not be doing in yours, and why.

Tilling

Tilling hard, or weed-covered ground to get it ready for row planting is a common practice.  But it can be counterproductive to the reasons why most people chose to do it.  First, it can destroy soil structure and kill beneficial organisms.  This can lead to the soil becoming more compact over time.  The other reason many chose to till is to clean weeds, but tilling can result in bringing weed seeds to the surface.  It would be better to save the money, time, and energy building raised beds that will never become compacted, and won’t have a seed store of weeds in them.

Comfrey Tea

Many people wanting to grow organically have turned to comfrey as an alternative, and for good reason. But while comfrey tea boasts many beneficial properties, it can take time an energy to make and can be a bit overrated. It smells like hog manure at best, I’m not exaggerating.  It takes weeks to get and space to store and “brew”.  The same advantages and more can be had by simply cutting your comfrey leaves and mulching with them.  In fact, the tea doesn’t even provide mulch, which will in time become food for beneficial organisms and become plant available on a similar timeline to making “tea” from the leaves.

Using Synthetic Fertilizers

Most of the people who chose to use synthetic fertilizers do so because they are cheaper than store bought organic fertilizers.  But a better approach would be to help strengthen the natural food web in your garden by supplying natural (and often free) food for beneficial organism.  You can do this by using green manure, comfrey, coffee grounds, wood chips, grass clippings, egg shells, and homemade compost.  Consider testing your soil as well, it might be more nutrient rich than you think.  Avoiding synthetic chemicals in your garden is healthier for the food web, your plants, and therefore you.

Your garden is yours, you can do what you want in it.  But replacing these practices with the suggested alternatives will get you more enjoyment and more food out of your garden with less hassle.

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