So, I had this theory in my tiny brain four years ago with my 1-1-4 formula. Keep reading.
At my age I decided to go raised bed veggie farming. I do not regret it one bit.
Gardening gives me time with God. It also gives me time to either empty my thoughts or focus on things that are of interest to farming. This is one of those ideas that proven to be monstrously amazing.
I use G&B Organic Raised Bed Garden Soil in 3 cubic foot bags. They go one sale here in Southern Oregon in February so when you buy 3 bags you get one bag free. So, I try to buy around 30 bags and collect 40. In addition, I have realized a measurable increase in quality and size of veggies when I included a 4 to 1 soil to rice hull mix. That is 1 bag of rice hulls to every 4 bags of soil. In this formula I also include 1 lb of red worms whenever I start a new raised bed. I mix the soil and rice hulls thoroughly before watering the beds and then add the worms just at dusk. The exchange of organic material and worm castings just does an amazing job; making my veggies really burst with healthy pleasure...Ok, not sure about that but at least they have the appearance of solid health. The secondary benefit is that the roots can shake off the soil easily. All of your root vegetables will grow healthier and without blemish especially potatoes. The rice hulls also do a great job of water retention and aerating; making your soil appear lite and fluffy.
On the downside, you will notice soil compression after the worms do their business and from the normal weather changes and watering so you may want to add additional soil and rice bags after the second year.
Rice hulls can be purchased at any farm store in 3 cubic foot bag for around $8.
You will be amazed to see how easy gardening will be and how easy pulling weeds will be. There is no weed that can root tough enough to pull. You can pull weeds with one hand. Now, go ahead and smile.
Your Village Gardener Greg "Beavertooth" Robinson
