Preparing the land for growing culinary herbs in Alaska has to be right up there as one of the toughest challenges a gardener will face. Aside from the freezing cold winter temperatures, there is the lack of daylight in the winter, when you get about three hours. Add to this the fact that land can freeze up to five feet and the challenge is magnified.
The soil is not the only thing that can suffer during an Alaskan winter. The flowers and plants have a hard time too. Savvy Alaskans will tend to their soil well in advance of winter, to ensure that when the frost finally disperses they are able to start planting right away.
Due to the fact their growing season is very short, preparing the soil is a key part of gardening. It is usually tested every fall just prior to the first frost. This can involve a variety of techniques but usually comes down to either taking it to the University of Alaska or by using a test kit, which is often the cheaper option.
They normally check out the soil on two occasions, when fall comes and when spring has sprung. The fall testing is crucial to the overall process because it gives them the only chance to improve the land before winter arrives. These improvements will bear fruit during the spring thaw and allow them to grow without worrying about the quality of their land. If this is neglected they may have to import soil from outside sources to improve the composition of the soil.
One way to improve the soil before the winter comes is to use horse manure. This can cause problems if there are too many chickweed seeds in the manure or if the composting side of things isn't done properly. Some choose to use organic manure but even this might cause problems due to the levels of nitrogen that exist in the compound. Whatever is used, it should be worked into the earth thoroughly.
When preparing for spring, one of the methods that is often used is to distribute wood ash onto the land. Alongside this method is one that involves distributing coffee grounds. Though this is only used in a thin layer, this simple formula can help to discourage flies from laying eggs that breed root maggots.
During the cold weather it becomes even more important to protect the land against the harsh climate. What gardeners often do, to help prevent the earth from getting too cold, is to lay down black plastic mulch or clear plastic mulch. A further method they use, in preparation for spring, is to seed in greenhouses, moving the seedling when the land is ready for them.
The obvious challenges of making sure soil is fit to grow culinary herbs in Alaska has given rise to some of the most resourceful gardeners in America. Preparing early for winter and replanting when the frost is over are a few of the important things to consider if you want to make sure crops are given the best chance to thrive.
The soil is not the only thing that can suffer during an Alaskan winter. The flowers and plants have a hard time too. Savvy Alaskans will tend to their soil well in advance of winter, to ensure that when the frost finally disperses they are able to start planting right away.
Due to the fact their growing season is very short, preparing the soil is a key part of gardening. It is usually tested every fall just prior to the first frost. This can involve a variety of techniques but usually comes down to either taking it to the University of Alaska or by using a test kit, which is often the cheaper option.
They normally check out the soil on two occasions, when fall comes and when spring has sprung. The fall testing is crucial to the overall process because it gives them the only chance to improve the land before winter arrives. These improvements will bear fruit during the spring thaw and allow them to grow without worrying about the quality of their land. If this is neglected they may have to import soil from outside sources to improve the composition of the soil.
One way to improve the soil before the winter comes is to use horse manure. This can cause problems if there are too many chickweed seeds in the manure or if the composting side of things isn't done properly. Some choose to use organic manure but even this might cause problems due to the levels of nitrogen that exist in the compound. Whatever is used, it should be worked into the earth thoroughly.
When preparing for spring, one of the methods that is often used is to distribute wood ash onto the land. Alongside this method is one that involves distributing coffee grounds. Though this is only used in a thin layer, this simple formula can help to discourage flies from laying eggs that breed root maggots.
During the cold weather it becomes even more important to protect the land against the harsh climate. What gardeners often do, to help prevent the earth from getting too cold, is to lay down black plastic mulch or clear plastic mulch. A further method they use, in preparation for spring, is to seed in greenhouses, moving the seedling when the land is ready for them.
The obvious challenges of making sure soil is fit to grow culinary herbs in Alaska has given rise to some of the most resourceful gardeners in America. Preparing early for winter and replanting when the frost is over are a few of the important things to consider if you want to make sure crops are given the best chance to thrive.
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