Soil Carbon Cowboys

Plant diversity, carbon capture, soil, and ranching?  All linked with pollinators too!  Vivianne had us intrigued at our last meeting when she talked about "Soil Carbon Cowboys".

Here's the video:

SOIL CARBON COWBOYS from Peter Byck on Vimeo.

The whole thing is fascinating.  For more on how this can transform the way we combat climate change, read Fast Company's article "Restoring Global Soil Quality Is One Of the Best Things We Can Do For Climate Change"

Thanks for sharing, Vivianne!

The Dirt on Soil: 2015 UN Year of the Soils

One needs good soil for growing -- that I know.  But the difference between dirt and soil - that I don't.

The thing we think of as "just dirt" we often take for granted has become big news again with the UN declaring 2015 the Year of the Soils.

While planning and making your garden soil better for this growing season, listen and learn about its nitty-gritty: The Dirt on Soil is a two part CBC Radio production available for streaming here.

For more on urban initiatives and about global soil health:  

• CBC News' related article on "Urban Soil Farming..." 
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2015-Soils homepage 

http://www.fao.org/resources/infographics/infographics-details/en/c/281883/

Sweet or Sour Soil?

Blueberry leaves yellowing?  Hydrangea blooms not returning true to colour?  One possible reason for such woes might be soil pH.

Plants have different ideal conditions for growth and different ranges of comfort.

The Old Farmer's Almanac and West Virginia University lists over a hundred plants each indicating their optimal growth pH and is a probably a good place to start to see if your troubled plant likes sweet (alkaline / basic) or sour (acidic) soil.

Audrey shared as last night's meeting that she performed a simple pH test on her soil with vinegar and baking soda.  About Money "Frugal Living Expert" Erin Huffstetler outlines a similar test here, step-by-step.

While this DIY is nowhere as accurate or precise as a home kit or sending samples away to a lab, it may help eliminate one possible problem and/or point you in the right direction.

Now, how to adjust soil pH?  That's another story!