Good read for backyard (and not-so-backyard) farmers!

[BearBio]

Read an article that makes a LOT of sense! Links to the published science papers!

Researchers make shocking discovery after studying farmland treated only with organic fertilizers for years: 'Emphasized the need for major changes'

As a footnote: We have had a 4'x4'x4' cube composter made from shipping pallets (collected from outside the local newspaper with a "Free" sign!). Bolted together with lag bolts and 2"x40s" and 2"x12"s. Lined with 1/4" mesh fencing to keep the rodents out as best we can. All our vegetable waste goes in there with leftover potting soil each year. After 2 years, I emptied it and filled all our garden planters including several raised beds this year! First year, I filled a 12'x12' raised bed for a herb garden. This year, we got a bumper crop of blackberries, some beans, good crop of potatoes, TONS of tomatoes (filled 5" of a 5-shelf pantry with canned veggies & sauces and still gave bushels away!), peppers, etc. Just using our natural compost, crushed eggshells, etc. Planting winter peas to replace nitrogen. Wife started using ollas to reduce water waste and we converted the front yard to native plants.

 

[Karate_kid]

That's great! It’s cool to see those natural methods work

 

[BearBio]

Read an article that makes a LOT of sense! Links to the published science papers!

Researchers make shocking discovery after studying farmland treated only with organic fertilizers for years: 'Emphasized the need for major changes'

As a footnote: We have had a 4'x4'x4' cube composter made from shipping pallets (collected from outside the local newspaper with a "Free" sign!). Bolted together with lag bolts and 2"x4s" and 2"x12"s. Lined with 1/4" mesh fencing to keep the rodents out as best we can. All our vegetable waste goes in there with leftover potting soil each year. After 2 years, I emptied it and filled all our garden planters including several raised beds this year! First year, I filled a 12'x12' raised bed for a herb garden. This year, we got a bumper crop of blackberries, some beans, good crop of potatoes, TONS of tomatoes (filled 5' of a 5-shelf pantry with canned veggies & sauces and still gave bushels away!), peppers, etc. Just using our natural compost, crushed eggshells, etc. Planting winter peas to replace nitrogen. Wife started using ollas to reduce water waste and we converted the front yard to native plants.

Edited typing errors above. Pictures of some of the native plants:

Purple Lupine: Butterfly Milkweed: Light Purple Columbine: Purple Cone Flower: Rocky Mountain Iris:

Wenatchee Mountain Coneflower: