When the summer season ends, many people think that they can say goodbye to the garden until spring. In fact, in November, important work is already underway in the soil, which will affect next year’s harvest. The author of the Zen channel “Garden Fantasies” (12+) spoke about this.
The easiest way to help the earth is to sprinkle calcium on the snow. Chalk, dolomite flour or eggshells are suitable for this. Fertilizer does not need to be buried. When the snow melts in the spring, the water itself will “carry” useful substances into the soil. This fertilizing makes the soil softer and the plants stronger and faster growing.
Calcium is needed for other fertilizers to work properly. Without it, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are almost not absorbed. In autumn, calcium is absorbed better than in spring.
You can tell that calcium is needed by looking at the moss in the garden beds or the weak growth of cabbage and beets. It is best to check the acidity of the soil with a special device. The norm is from 6 to 7.
Fertilizer should be applied after the first snow falls, 10–15 centimeters thick. They scatter it in an even layer and do nothing else. This works especially well on slopes, where water drains quickly in spring.
This fertilizing prepares the soil for spring and gives a good harvest in summer.
Question and answer:
What can be added to the soil in the snow?
You can scatter calcium-containing fertilizers on the snow: chalk, dolomite flour, eggshells or phosphogypsum. They are not washed off, but in the spring they fall into the soil along with melt water.
Why apply fertilizer in the fall if the snow has already fallen?
In autumn, the soil absorbs calcium better. And snow helps to evenly distribute fertilizer in the spring when it melts. It's easier and more effective than digging in the spring.
How do you know if the soil lacks calcium?
If moss grows in the beds, beets and cabbage grow poorly, the leaves turn yellow or become deformed, then these are signs of calcium deficiency.
