[CH] Raised bed/minor rant
Parkhurst, Scott Contractor (PARKHURS@LEAV-EMH1.ARMY.MIL)
Wed, 7 Apr 1999 10:39:00 -0500
> And somebody writ about "Miracle-Gro", and someone writ about 2x10
>boards. OK Guys, if you don't mind poisoning your soil with chemical
>fertilizers (which leave residual salts in the soil)
OK, maybe it's just me, but I get tired of hearing how chemicals are
evil, that users of chems are somehow "substandard" individuals and probably
related to Satan.
I'm not like that. I believe that chems can be beneficial. They make
life easier. They are our friends. But remember, it's not a good idea to
mis-treat a friend. Improper handling of friends or chemicals can prove
disastrous.
Responsible handling, storage and application procedures MUST be
followed. This is a case of more not being better, and in fact, the
lightest hand possible should be used. I haven't seen anybody advocating a
three-inch layer of Miracle-Gro or a daily application of Sevin.
I'm not espousing the use of chems as the only way to go. I'm not
saying that chems are the best way to go. I am saying they are a safe,
viable, reliable alternative. They work for me and they might help somebody
else. My chiles produce copious quantities of properly pungent pods.
If you are into the organic ways, fine. Great. Best of luck (I really
mean it). But why come down on those that haven't got the
time/resources/inclination to follow suit?
...Rant complete.
Residual salts are not a problem in my raised bed because:
1. I do use the lightest hand possible with Miracle-Gro, actually diluted
by about 66%.
2. The excellent drainage of the setup promotes "flushing" of the so-called
"poisons" during the growing season.
3. Off-season rain/snowmelt further flushes the soil.
4. The inevitable loss of soil through harvesting, tilling, leaking out
from under the timbers necessitates adding fresh, untainted soil.
Scott... Waitin' for the flames... KCK