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Post by tbird on Jul 19, 2015 9:22:34 GMT -5
So - aside from the diaper gel - anything else I think that coffee grounds and bits of the fall leaves help keep moisture in the soil - but I can't say that I really know for sure it does? I know potting soil frequently has those little white nuggets and such....but - what are they really? Have also heard that coating seeds in clay help to retain moisture around the seed to help keep that seed moist for germination - so maybe with clay soil - not to worry. But curious on what others do and think? when I have seeds in the ground awaiting hatching - I usually sprinkle my coffee grounds in that area before watering, thinking the coffee grounds will help keep it moist, but - I sure could be wrong.....at any rate, they aren't hurting...
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Post by desertwoman on Jul 19, 2015 9:30:08 GMT -5
Organic matter- including leaves and coffee ground, but also straw, compost, etc- will help maintain moisture in the soil..
Also, a good thick mulch. (though not when first seeding)
That's what I do.
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Post by James on Jul 19, 2015 9:36:27 GMT -5
Turn off the wind?
Probably a light mulch is the best thing. I don't do is because of the size of my garden. Its prohibitive. I water once a week deeply and let it go. The roots go down to find water.
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Post by restless on Jul 19, 2015 9:58:11 GMT -5
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Post by pepperhead212 on Jul 19, 2015 10:42:18 GMT -5
This is why I start just about all of my seeds inside LOL! Even when I used to start some of my spring greens and the like outside, anything for the fall, when it was hot outside, I learned quickly that the ground dried out in that thin layer where the seeds were, unless I watered more than once a day. And given my problem with rabbits, that was another reason to plant inside, then transplant, and cover.
Those little white nuggets you see in potting soil might be perlite. This is not something to retain water, but does almost the opposite (in a good way), as it helps the soil drain faster, and helps aerate, as well. Some soil mixes have little polymer bits in them, which absorb a large amount of water, then slowly release the water as the soil dries. These aren't easy to see, as they are sort of translucent.
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Post by tbird on Jul 19, 2015 11:00:30 GMT -5
Bio Char is another soil ammendment that retains water. Oh - interesting! this reminds me that hugelkultur also note it's moisture retentive aspect. However, I am mostly speaking to those areas where you are generally doing frequent watering - new seedings and containers and such.... Although - now I think of it....a few small twigs at the bottom of a container may not be a bad idea.....
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Post by desertwoman on Jul 19, 2015 11:23:35 GMT -5
We had a big discussion at the old site about biochar. I don't remember all the details but there were definitely two camps- the ones who thought it was great helper and the ones who thought it was snake oil.
I didn't hold on to it because, in the end, I am one of the ones who believes in building my soil with OM and compost and leaving things like biochar,vermiculite, etc out. But that's me.
I direct seed my lettuces and green in the spring and though I strive to water them twice a day, the reality is that they mostly get once a day water. The soil is dry by the time I give them their daily drink. They sprout well.
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Post by octave on Jul 19, 2015 12:29:21 GMT -5
I know that burying wood will ultimately results into a moisture retaining soil. I saw a documentary some time ago where an African guy managed to convert areas of desert into a beautiful, lush forest by this method.
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Post by tbird on Jul 19, 2015 12:49:21 GMT -5
We had a big discussion at the old site about biochar. I remember that.
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Post by binnylou on Jul 19, 2015 13:02:37 GMT -5
I know that burying wood will ultimately results into a moisture retaining soil. So if hubby makes me another raised bed, is there any reason to not start filling with a layer of logs for moisture retention? Is the rotting wood really going to suck the nitrogen out of the soil? This sounds like a good way to fill a bed and not use so much compost.
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Post by tbird on Jul 19, 2015 14:01:39 GMT -5
yes binny, I have done it, a few years ago, and then I forgot/wasn't building beds etc, and then....the knowledge fell out of my head for a bit! www.richsoil.com/hugelkultur/here is some info.... I have a lot of wood trimmed off trees in the yard right now, going to bury into the beds when I put them to sleep (remember me complaining about their low level, lol!!!) they are cut down now (but made add more) so I think by planting, should be good.
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Post by binnylou on Jul 19, 2015 14:41:54 GMT -5
he knowledge fell out of my head for a bit! I call this senior moments
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Post by octave on Jul 19, 2015 16:13:49 GMT -5
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Post by lisaann on Jul 19, 2015 16:29:55 GMT -5
Well, This thread has covered a bunch of things in a short period of time. When I direct seed stuff like lettuce and carrots, I cover with a piece of burlap and water the burlap. The seeds don't get washed out and the soil stays wet all day till I get home to water the spot again. You must keep peeking to see if anything is sprouting under there, and then remove the burlap. Here is an old pic showing what I am saying:
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Post by binnylou on Jul 19, 2015 16:45:45 GMT -5
You must keep peeking to see if anything is sprouting under there, and then remove the burlap. Will the carrots not just grow up through the burlap?
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