Would you still recommend that book? I've been working to a 'no method' style of gardening up to now and would really like to be a bit more methodical or at least theory driven this year.
It's still a worthwhile book, for sure! I'll be outlining more methods here on my substack in the near future, so you can follow along here as well. The exact method you use depends a lot on what resources you have available, and somewhat on your personal style and preferences.
It can, especially in the early years as the whole system adjusts and balances. You can try organic Sluggo, coffee grounds, or beer traps to deal with slugs. But as your soil improves and the ecosystem adapts, slugs should become less and less of a problem, which is what I've experienced. Slugs are not as drawn to loose, well-aggregated soils as they are to heavier, water-logged clay. Healthy plants with adequate iron are also less attractive to slugs, but reaching that level of perfection can be hard to attain.
At tendingmygarden.com, I learned to place a few stones or logs for slugs to live under, and go out after dark and snip the big ones in half with a scissors.
When the garter snakes moved in to my garden, they seemed to be serving me well. I've only been bitten once in 3-5 years and in this time the slug problem has become manageable.
Maybe it helps, too, that the yard chickens start jumping over the 3ft fence and foraging through the garden in late fall when bugs get scarce elsewhere.
This method worked in MA for me, but not in NC. All the mulch I brought in led so a slug plague. It's been years of slugs that are so aggressive and numerous they eat all seedlings, leaves, and fruits that I try to grow.
Yeah, that can be a big downside of the Ruth Stout method. There's a lot I could say about slugs, way too much to write about here, so I'll add that to a list of future posts to write. In short, a healthier soil will eventually deter slugs. Sometimes an initial tillage followed by other no-till methods that don't use hay are better. I like the hay mulch for some crops but hate it for others! Check out Sluggo and also my post about coffee grounds.
I remember that book! The method worked well for me, even though I’m not much of a gardener. 😁
In addition, I heard about Korean Natural Farming, which uses a fermented “soup” of micro organisms, as fertilizer. I haven’t tried that yet, but it’s been on my mind.
I do have containers of stuff growing micro organisms to observe under my microscope. Totally alive! Really amazing! 🤩
To clarify, I live east of Maine and I know nothing about gardening in North Carolina. I wish you good luck with whatever you do!
Same to you!
I just ordered the used book. I get tired of gardening about mid summer. Maybe this will keep me going. Thanks!
You're not alone in getting tired of gardening mid-summer! Different things work for different people, but I hope this helps you!
Would you still recommend that book? I've been working to a 'no method' style of gardening up to now and would really like to be a bit more methodical or at least theory driven this year.
It's still a worthwhile book, for sure! I'll be outlining more methods here on my substack in the near future, so you can follow along here as well. The exact method you use depends a lot on what resources you have available, and somewhat on your personal style and preferences.
Brill, will follow along and take a look. I've got a different set up this year so will need to be less scatter gun.
Does it create a slug problem?
It can, especially in the early years as the whole system adjusts and balances. You can try organic Sluggo, coffee grounds, or beer traps to deal with slugs. But as your soil improves and the ecosystem adapts, slugs should become less and less of a problem, which is what I've experienced. Slugs are not as drawn to loose, well-aggregated soils as they are to heavier, water-logged clay. Healthy plants with adequate iron are also less attractive to slugs, but reaching that level of perfection can be hard to attain.
If we could apply no till methods on an industrial scale it would change the world. Lovely read, thank you for writing.
You’re exactly right, and there’s a lot of work being done towards this!
It’s always good to be reminded positive change is in effect. 🌸
Have you seen the documentary "Kiss the Ground"? Your comment reminded me of that one.
I haven’t. I’ll look it up though!
At tendingmygarden.com, I learned to place a few stones or logs for slugs to live under, and go out after dark and snip the big ones in half with a scissors.
When the garter snakes moved in to my garden, they seemed to be serving me well. I've only been bitten once in 3-5 years and in this time the slug problem has become manageable.
Maybe it helps, too, that the yard chickens start jumping over the 3ft fence and foraging through the garden in late fall when bugs get scarce elsewhere.
Great ideas!
This method worked in MA for me, but not in NC. All the mulch I brought in led so a slug plague. It's been years of slugs that are so aggressive and numerous they eat all seedlings, leaves, and fruits that I try to grow.
Yeah, that can be a big downside of the Ruth Stout method. There's a lot I could say about slugs, way too much to write about here, so I'll add that to a list of future posts to write. In short, a healthier soil will eventually deter slugs. Sometimes an initial tillage followed by other no-till methods that don't use hay are better. I like the hay mulch for some crops but hate it for others! Check out Sluggo and also my post about coffee grounds.
I remember that book! The method worked well for me, even though I’m not much of a gardener. 😁
In addition, I heard about Korean Natural Farming, which uses a fermented “soup” of micro organisms, as fertilizer. I haven’t tried that yet, but it’s been on my mind.
I do have containers of stuff growing micro organisms to observe under my microscope. Totally alive! Really amazing! 🤩
I love this! Yup, KNF and growing microorganisms is great stuff!