The Number One Soil Builder

Where did you hang out over the holidays? If it was like this Swallowtail butterfly, in your garden, there should be plenty to chat about when it comes to the veggie and fruit department. So why start thinking about what to plant for next year?

It’s time to get the tomato and cucumber lovers out of their comfort zone. Too many folks overlook potatoes, an easy to grow crop for your summertime garden. Why would you want to test the potato waters? You can check out this post from last July http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/07/potato-banter.html for a myriad of reasons to grow potatoes. But one of the best, besides the flavor (because you’ll never want a store bought potato again) is how one crop of potatoes can build your soil. Do you have a garden area that has been fallow or needs improvement? Plant a row of potatoes and when you start digging in the earth to find those treasured nuggets, you’ll be amazed at the richness and texture of the soil. The next year you’ll have beautiful growing conditions for planting your leafy greens, onions, garlic… remember, even if your garden is small, you want to rotate your crops whenever possible.

So let’s hop back on theme with our Swallowtail butterfly. As William Feather once said, “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” For all those who garden, it’s a big commitment. But the rewards are huge! And if you grow a row of potatoes, your soil building for the following growing season is done for you!

Image of a Swallowtail butterfly by Ann Bilowz

P.S. An email follower requested the names of the Daylilies in last Friday’s blog, http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2012/07/simple-friday-photage.html. The two Daylilies in this posting were Hemerocallis 'Strutter's Ball' and Hemerocallis ‘Cherry Cheeks’. Thanks for following!

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