Page 42 - Discover Fall 2020
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eeder
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lime, and next year you’ll avoid that cover crop; they will suppress weeds,
problem. improve soil, and prevent erosion.
Annual clovers will add nitrogen
Fertilizing throughout the
growing season is a must for optimal naturally for next year. Some cover
crops attract wildlife as a food plot,
productivity. If you used a fertilizer and some double as a soil aerifier. A
that has a high nitrogen content, you good example would be tillage radish.
may have had a large healthy green
plant, but with little fruit. Nitrogen’s If your drainage wasn’t as good as
job is to create leaf growth, but it it could have been, be sure to fill any
comes at the expense of flowers. low spots, Be sure to keep notes of
Using organic fertilizers will prevent what and where you planted, because
burning of the roots, and ensures you must rotate your crop plots so as
excellent fruit production for a steady not to attract unwanted insects, and
supply of food. also to avoid fungal issues.
Lesson V: Such as it is, hopefully this year
has proven to be instructive with
So what are your thoughts on
trying again next season? If you respect to our ability to attain
all that we assume will be on the
decide to abandon your Victory store shelves. A garden can help
Garden, consider turning the area supplement that, and if this was
into a pollinator-friendly garden. It your first attempt, I’m betting that
will provide natural entertainment, your produce never tasted so good.
with perennials that will come back
year after year. Perhaps we all learned a little bit
about ourselves, and gained a new
If you are determined to succeed, appreciation for farmers in general.
let’s consider your next move now.
Once your crops are done and the Good luck next year, and lets
area is cleared of leftover debris, you hope that we all learn from our
should immediately begin bolstering mistakes. Past experiences can
your soil’s viability for next season. lead to a better future if we pay
Adding amendments like compost or attention.
shredded leaf clippings and turning
them into the soil will improve your
soil structure. Consider planting a
40 Discover Smith Mountain Lake FALL 2020
