I'm brand new to gardening and currently growing at ground level. I'm starting this vegetable garden mainly because I need to save money on groceries since the prices where I live (in NZ) are a bit ridiculous. I've cleared out a small patch for gardening and also have some tall buckets from a chef friend where I plan to grow eggplants, tomatoes, and capsicum. In the ground, I'm going to plant spinach, zucchini, lettuce, and onion, and I've already bought some seeds. The only soil I have is half a bag of potting mix that I managed to get from a friend. What can I do to improve my garden soil without spending any money? I've heard that seaweed is abundant along the coast where I live—should I add some to the soil? Also, I noticed there are several sheep farms around; would sheep manure be a good addition? Any tips would really help, thanks!
2 Answers
You’re on the right track with using free resources! Both sheep manure and seaweed can definitely help enrich your soil. Just make sure not to add pure manure directly, since it can be too strong for plants. It’s better to mix it in with your soil or compost it first. As for seaweed, rinse out any salt to prevent issues; leaving it out in the rain for a bit can help with that! Also, don’t forget about urine—it’s a natural fertilizer packed with nitrogen, just dilute it before applying to avoid burning your plants. Lastly, consider mulching with cardboard if you’re dealing with grasses; it’s often free and will help with weeds! Good luck with your garden!
Kia ora! Make sure you know your growing zone since that will help tailor what you plant. Since you're in Canterbury, you're set up nicely for some great veggies. Just remember to check if any of the seeds you have need specific conditions to thrive! Adding things that are accessible to you, like weed-free seaweed or sheep manure, is a great way to enhance your soil without the costs. Happy gardening!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll look up the growing zone details and get the seaweed ready.