Nathan Wright

Matt McSpadden wrote:
I would get some agricultural molasses (I like the powder, but liquid would work too. Also, you could use some sort of cheap sweet feed from the feed store) and spread this on the ground first. This will help feed and attract microbes. Then cover that with maybe 4" of leaves (they will squish down flat as you go). This will add organic matter, add fungal spores, and attract and feed worms.
If you have any chicken manure with carbon that has been sitting and is partially broken down, I would use that for this layer. If you do not, then I would put down a thin layer of woodchips, maybe an inch or two, and add the chicken manure to that. The chicken manure helps the woodchips break down, which provides more organic matter, water holding capacity, weed suppression, and more nutrients for the plants.
Then top it off with 6-12 more inches of wood chips. This last layer helps to hold in the moisture, suppress weeds, and provides more organic matter over time.

Then let it sit until next spring. I would pull any weeds that show, but I doubt many will. During this time, the microbes and worms and bugs will come and make their home there. When you pull back the woodchips after that time, you will find some rich, black, soft soil underneath that the plants will love.

The chicken manure doesn’t smell because I dug down deep in the chicken coop. I plan for my gardens to be organic.
I'm interested in understanding your approach to layering. Here are my questions for clarification:
For planting my garden this year, which will be a small area, what type of layering do you recommend?
For planting next year, which seems to be your main recommendation.
For the purpose of understanding.  Let's say these layers all apply to a 10'x 10' area

You mentioned using molasses as the first layer. What brand do you suggest, and how much should be applied?
What is your recommendation for an affordable type of sweet feed, and how much should I spread?
I understand the next step is to add a 4-inch layer of leaves and squash down the leaves.
Next, you mentioned adding chicken manure that has broken down. I have this already. How deep should this layer be - about 1/2 inch or more?
How many inches of woodchips should be added? It seems like the thickness for next year’s garden should be 6 to 12 inches, which appears to be a lot. How much woodchip should I add to this year’s garden?
Can you please detail how to layer each type of garden (this year vs. next year)?

Thank you. Looking for other ideas including compost tea?

Hello,

I am planting my first permaculture garden. I have sandy loam soil and access to fresh wood chips, some maple leaves, and chicken manure. The area I am planning to use for my garden is approximately 25' x 25'.

My questions are:
What else would I need to create suitable soil for my vegetable garden (corn, kale, etc.)?
What ratios should I use for mixing these materials (e.g., two wheelbarrows of one material and one of another)?

I appreciate your help.

I am transforming a 1/2 acre area into a permaculture garden. The soil is sandy loam, with only a small amount of dirt. I have been bringing in fresh loads of hardwood sawdust. This year, I plan to plant a small garden.

I have a few questions:

How long should I wait before using the wood chips?
Should I keep the wood chips in a pile, or spread them out in the area where I intend to create the garden?
What type of bio tea (mycelium) would you recommend to help break down the wood chips faster?  Please be specific and provide links if needed.

Thank you in advance for any of your insightful responses.

Good evening,

My name is Nathan, and I live in Petoskey. I am in the process of creating a 1/2 acre garden from scratch. So far, I have cleared the area by removing some dying trees and cutting branches. And gathering wood chips.  Planting trees, working on irrigation etc..  

In my main garden area (the area with the most sun for my sun-loving vegetables).  I have noticed that the sun's position shifts throughout the day, with the morning sun illuminating one side of the garden and the afternoon sun lighting up the other side.

As I plan my vegetable garden, I am curious if there is a list of vegetable plants that prefer morning sun versus those that thrive in the afternoon sun?

Any help or suggestions is kindly appreciated.